Nairobi, Dec 12 (LatestNewsX) – During the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh sat down with Kenya’s Environment Minister Deborah Mlongo Barasa on the sidelines of the meeting. They discussed how the two countries could strengthen collaboration in areas such as conservation, climate‑adaptation, sustainable agriculture and better environmental governance.
India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Adarsh Swaika, and several other officials joined the delegation for the event.
On X, Singh wrote: “Meeting with Environment Minister of Kenya. ‘Delighted to meet Kenya’s Environment Minister H.E. Dr Deborah Mlongo Barasa during my visit to Nairobi for UNEA‑7. We explored avenues to enhance India–Kenya cooperation in conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture and improved environmental governance. Together, we remain committed to a greener and more resilient future’.”
The previous day, Singh presented India’s National Statement at the high‑level segment of the seventh UNEA. He underscored that “sustainable growth and environment‑first policies are essential for securing the future of our planet.” He added that under the guiding leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, India has been a consistent advocate for eco‑friendly living, climate‑resilient development, and global environmental cooperation. India remains steadfast in driving solutions that balance ecological health and economic progress for the welfare of both present and forthcoming generations,” the MoS posted on X.
The seventh UNEA event, held at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi from December 8‑12, focused on “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.” It followed the seventh meeting of the Open‑ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR‑7) that took place from December 1‑5.
During his stay, Singh also took part in the celebrations at the Sri Ram Temple, marking UNESCO’s recognition of Diwali as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. He noted that the milestone “demonstrates the global appreciation of India’s timeless traditions and the universal message of peace and harmony.” The minister added on X: “Blessed to participate in the celebrations at the historic Sri Ram Temple marking UNESCO’s recognition of Diwali as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Prabhu Shri Ram’s Temple built in 1919 in Kenya, stands as a testament to the cultural pride of India and shared historical ties between both our countries. Under able leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Ji, this milestone truly reflects the global appreciation of India’s timeless traditions and the universal message of peace and harmony.”
On December 10, MoS Singh met with Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, to explore ways to deepen cooperation in climate action, marine littering and sustainable ocean management. In a post on X, he said: “Pleased to meet H.E. Mr. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment of Norway. Discussed avenues to further deepen bilateral cooperation in climate action, marine littering, and sustainable ocean management. India looks forward to strengthen this partnership for a cleaner, greener, and resilient future.”
Afterward, Singh held a session with John Ololtuaa, Kenya’s Principal Secretary of the State Department of Tourism, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. The groups reviewed the expanding collaboration on wildlife conservation, notably the memorandum of understanding on wildlife management signed earlier this year, and discussed new possibilities to intensify joint efforts in protecting wildlife sustainably. He posted on X: “Look forward to early signing of the framework agreement of the International Big Cat Alliance by Kenya, as one of its founding members. Appreciated our growing tourism linkages and discussed ways to further augment tourism flows.”
Finally, the MoS met Dmitri Tetenkin, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. They talked about joint initiatives in climate action, sustainable resource management, forest fire control, falcon conservation, and overall bilateral environmental cooperation. Singh remarked, “Russia and India share a special and privileged strategic partnership. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India remains committed to strengthening these ties to jointly progress towards a sustainable planet.”
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