New Delhi: Addressing the 15th National Convention of Global Compact Network India (GCNI), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) CMD Shashi Shanker — who is also the President of GCNI — said that over the last five years, the Energy Maharatna PSU has reduced its carbon emission intensity (that is, tonnes of Carbon Di-oxide emitted per barrel of oil produced) by more than 12 percent. He called for deeper collaborative tie-ups of all stakeholders as the country navigates through unprecedented and changing times. As the President of the Indian arm of the United Nations body, Shanker exhorted the participants of the national convention to leverage the two-day convention into a fruitful platform to "engage and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for people, planet, progress and peace."
Being held for the first time through virtual medium, the two-day National Convention of GCNI focussed on the theme "Raising the SDG Ambition – Pathways for Sustainable Recovery and Growth."
Emphasising the role of GCNI, since its foundation in 2003, Shanker noted that the organisation has spread the message of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to Corporate India and has created a platform that offers a bouquet of services to its members to facilitate better understanding and imbibing the Ten Principles of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their work culture and corporate governance structures. "GCNI is the only agency in India driving all 17 SDGs chartered by the United Nations. In the past few months, GCNI has taken to the online platform and worked tirelessly towards achieving the SDGs as we inch closer to the set target of 2030," he added.
Shanker said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's motto of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwaas" resonates with the core SDG principle of leaving no one behind. Showcasing India's progress in the sustainable development front, Shanker referred the nation's narrative "Satat Bharat – Sanatan Bharat" to highlight the nation's commitment towards sustainable future. He noted that economic growth of any nation requires various forms of energy, which should be accessible, affordable and clean.
"The country's climate action strategies emphasise clean and efficient energy systems, a resilient urban infrastructure and a planned eco-restoration among others. Today India occupies fifth position in overall installed renewable energy capacity," said Shanker.
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