Harivansh Calls for Global Co-op on Sustainability at BRICS Forum

• Harivansh calls for global cooperation to tackle sustainability challenges.
• Only 15% of assessed SDG targets are on track for 2030, he notes.
• India’s development approach centres on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
• Parliamentary diplomacy, technology sharing and youth participation highlighted as key priorities.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28th Oct: Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh on Tuesday called for stronger international cooperation to address global sustainability challenges while addressing the plenary session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi.

Speaking on the theme “Sustainability: The Centrality of Parliament in Fostering a Sustainable and Inclusive Future for Our Nations,” Harivansh said the world faces major challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, food and energy insecurity, and widening inequalities.

Referring to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report 2026, he noted that only 15 per cent of the 139 targets with sufficient trend data are currently on track for achievement by 2030. He stressed that sustainability goes beyond environmental protection and is closely linked to human dignity, economic opportunities, social justice and a better future for all.

Parliament’s Role in Sustainable Development
Harivansh underlined that legislatures have a crucial role in turning global commitments into meaningful action. Through legislation, budgetary oversight, accountability mechanisms and citizen representation, Parliaments can ensure that development policies address the needs of all sections of society.

He said achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires effective laws, adequate resource allocation, continuous monitoring and greater public participation. Parliaments must also ensure that the concerns and voices of all communities are reflected in policymaking.

India’s People-Centric Development Vision
Highlighting India’s approach, Harivansh said sustainable development must be people-centric, inclusive and equitable. He cited the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — as a guiding principle for development and international cooperation.

He added that India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The New Delhi Declaration, adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit in September 2026, reaffirmed the member countries’ shared commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Harivansh also linked India’s development priorities with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, emphasising the goal of building a prosperous, resilient and sustainable nation while contributing to global progress.

Youth Participation and Global Partnerships
Emphasising the importance of young people, Harivansh noted that nearly two-thirds of India’s population is under 35 years of age. He described youth as indispensable partners in sustainable development and highlighted initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, which encourage young citizens to engage with democratic institutions, develop leadership skills and contribute innovative ideas.

On international cooperation, he called for improved access to finance, technology sharing and stronger partnerships among nations. He also stressed the importance of the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities, saying developing countries must have adequate resources and policy space to pursue sustainable development in line with their national priorities.

Concluding his address, Harivansh said sustainability ultimately depends on governance, accountability and collective responsibility. He highlighted parliamentary diplomacy, the exchange of best practices and collective advocacy as important tools for building a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous world for present and future generations.