The Impressive TimesSt. Petersburg, July 12 2024 – Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, leading the Indian Parliamentary Delegation at the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, highlighted India’s commitment to sustainable development and the importance of protecting livelihoods in the face of global crises.
In his address during the plenary session on “The Role of Parliaments in Countering the Fragmentation of the Multilateral Trade System and Overcoming Threats Related to the Consequences of Global Crisis,” Shri Birla underscored that sustainable development must be achieved equitably, considering the diverse economic development levels of countries. He cautioned against the trend of unilateral environmental measures, which impact trade, violate WTO rules, and undermine international law, equity, and the principles of the UNFCCC and NDCs.
Shri Birla emphasized that climate change mitigation requires substantial resources, which developing countries need for their development. Thus, adaptation remains a priority for India, committed to achieving its NDCs. He stressed the critical role of parliaments in enacting legislation to protect financial and economic sovereignty and support international recommendations.
India’s commitment to sustainable development was highlighted, noting the country’s low per capita energy usage and minimal contribution of just 4% to global cumulative emissions between 1850 and 2019. Shri Birla stated that India prioritizes climate change adaptation due to its vulnerability to climate effects and has consistently taken strong actions towards environmental sustainability. He highlighted India’s promotion of a sustainable lifestyle through the LiFE initiative (“Lifestyle for Environment”) and the country’s achievement in surpassing targets for reducing emissions intensity, increasing non-fossil fuel power capacity, and creating additional carbon sinks, as pledged to the UNFCCC.
Shri Birla called for reforms in global bodies to reflect contemporary realities and praised the recent expansion of BRICS as a unique opportunity. He expressed optimism that BRICS countries will become a leading engine of global economic growth.
Recalling India’s stance at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi in February 2024, Shri Birla emphasized avoiding fragmentation of the multilateral trading system and focusing on trade-related issues. He warned against introducing non-trade topics like gender and MSMEs into WTO discussions, as these could lead to greater fragmentation. He asserted that measures to combat climate change should not justify arbitrary trade restrictions.
Shri Birla commended BRICS for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue and diplomacy, noting that BRICS countries represent about 42% of the global population, contribute nearly one-fourth of the world’s GDP, and account for over 16% of world trade. He highlighted BRICS’s potential to address imbalances within global institutions and improve coordination between regional bodies.
In the face of global challenges such as technological disruption and its impact on jobs and skills, Shri Birla urged the member nations to prioritize livelihood protection and work towards a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Bilateral Meeting with Speaker of the Lower House of the Russian Federation, Duma
On the sidelines of the Forum, Shri Birla held a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the Lower House of the Russian Federation, Duma, Mr. Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin, on July 11, 2024. Shri Birla commended his Russian counterpart on the seamless expansion of the BRICS organization, especially with the addition of new member countries. He expressed confidence that this expansion would significantly enhance effectiveness and advocate for a stronger Global South.
The discussions also emphasized the strong democratic systems of India and Russia and the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation. Shri Birla announced plans to establish an India-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group and expressed hope for further strengthening bilateral trade, defense, and cultural relations.
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