Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal stated that the Global South should not be held accountable for the environmental damage caused worldwide, attributing it to the developed nations that had benefited from low-cost energy. Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2024, he emphasised the need for shared but differentiated responsibilities in addressing environmental challenges.

The summit, attended by trade ministers from 11 countries, including Italy, Israel, and Bhutan, focused on sustainability and global cooperation. Goyal emphasised that the responsibility for addressing environmental challenges should be proportional to the contribution to the problem, with developed nations bearing greater accountability.

He called for more collaboration in shared supply chains and sustainable development efforts. Stressing the importance of innovation, industry, infrastructure, and investment, Goyal remarked that these factors would help foster inclusivity and growth among nations.

The minister also pointed out the impact of Artificial Intelligence and automation on employment and skills, noting the need to balance technological advancements with the preservation of tradition and culture. He underlined the importance of empowering youth through education and skills development to drive economic growth and achieve Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living.

Regarding sustainability, Goyal highlighted the significance of reducing consumption waste and adopting a circular economy. He noted that environmental challenges are not only driven by carbon emissions from manufacturing but also by the carbon footprint from consumption patterns. He urged nations to reflect on their lifestyles and resource usage.