Youth Participation Is Crucial for Climate Action – Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde

Minister delivers a strong call for action at ‘Mumbai Climate Week’

Mumbai, February 2026 : Effective climate action requires strong partnerships among governments, urban institutions, and citizens, with youth participation playing a particularly vital role, said Pankaja Munde, Minister for Environment and Climate Change. She emphasized that sustained efforts are underway to build a sustainable Maharashtra through community awareness, climate literacy, and youth-led initiatives.

The inauguration of Mumbai Climate Week was held at the Jio World Convention Centre by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Minister Munde highlighted the urgency of moving from dialogue to decisive implementation in the fight against climate change.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi, Founder and CEO of Project Mumbai Shishir Joshi, Environment Department Secretary Jayshree Bhoj, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee, and Martin Krause, Director at the United Nations Environment Programme, among others.

Minister Munde noted that representatives from various countries have come together on the Mumbai Climate Week platform, underscoring that global cooperation and practical partnerships are essential for successful climate action. Creating a clean and safe environment for future generations, she said, is a shared responsibility. The fight against climate change has now entered the phase of concrete implementation, moving well beyond discussions alone. Cities across the world are taking ownership of climate action, and from India, Mumbai Climate Week represents a firm, action-oriented contribution to this global movement.

Referring to the Indian ethos of “the world is one family,” she stressed that climate action is a collective duty, as the impact on one region ultimately affects all. Maharashtra, and especially Mumbai, faces serious climate challenges such as rising urban temperatures, extreme rainfall, flooding, coastal stress, and deteriorating air quality. Rural Maharashtra is also experiencing the effects of unpredictable droughts and floods. Against this backdrop, she explained, Mumbai Climate Week is designed not merely as a forum for discussion but as a catalyst for real implementation and financing pathways. She urged all participants to actively engage and propose practical solutions.

The minister further stated that while Maharashtra continues to advance on the fronts of industrialization, urbanization, and development, the state is consciously adopting a climate-sensitive development model that balances climate resilience, economic growth, and social inclusion. Action-driven policies are being implemented with sustainability at the core across sectors such as energy, urban development, water, and infrastructure. Special emphasis is being placed on expanding renewable energy and energy efficiency in public infrastructure, integrating climate risks into urban planning, and promoting sector-wise sustainable planning.

Given the scale of the challenges, Minister Munde emphasized the need for stronger partnerships and innovation. The government aims to make climate-sensitive planning and resilient infrastructure a standard practice across the state and the country.

She noted that representatives from more than 30 countries, including cities from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, are participating in the conference. Prior interactions with international delegates have already highlighted shared environmental concerns and potential solutions. Calling for unified thinking and action, she appealed to all stakeholders to work together toward the common goal of creating a clean and green environment for future generations.

Concluding her address, Minister Munde said that a sense of responsibility shapes the future. She expressed hope that the coming days would yield tangible outcomes, durable partnerships, and measurable progress in climate action, and called upon everyone to join hands in building a clean and secure environment for generations to come.