National Green Tribunal international climate conference

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) organized an international conference in New Delhi titled ‘The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics’ on September 19 and 20, 2026. The event was designed to address challenges in environmental governance, climate change, and environmental justice by facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge and judicial approaches among participants from 17 countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day conference at Vigyan Bhawan. During his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that India is providing solutions to modern climate challenges by “bridging ancient cultural wisdom with modern execution.” He noted that India has fulfilled its Paris Agreement (COP-21) commitments ahead of schedule and highlighted the nation’s strategic pivot toward renewable energy. Additionally, he criticized the global narrative regarding carbon footprints, stating that developing nations are often unfairly blamed, whereas India’s per capita carbon emissions remain less than half of the global average.

The gathering included high-level Indian officials, such as Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, alongside judicial representatives from various courts and international experts. Chief Justice Surya Kant discussed the evolution of environmental jurisprudence and the “constitutional responsibility of both the state and citizens to protect the environment.” The proceedings focused on identifying and addressing gaps in the formulation, implementation, and enforcement of environmental policies.