India Establishes COP-33 Cell Under MoEFCC to Strategically Host UN Climate Summit 2028.
National
India has set up a dedicated COP-33 Cell under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to prepare for hosting the 33rd session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP-33) in 2028. This marks a major diplomatic and environmental milestone for India as it readies itself to lead global climate negotiations.
- The COP-33 Cell has been created as an institutional mechanism within MoEFCC to coordinate inter-ministerial, international, and logistical preparations for the summit. It will serve as the central planning and execution body, ensuring that India’s climate leadership, commitments under the Paris Agreement, and sustainable development goals are effectively highlighted at the global stage.
- India’s selection as the host for COP-33 is a recognition of its proactive climate actions, such as the Panchamrit pledges announced at COP-26 in Glasgow, where India committed to achieving Net Zero by 2070. Hosting the 2028 summit will provide India a platform to push for climate equity, climate finance, and technology transfer from developed to developing nations.
- The cell will also engage with states, civil society, academia, industries, and youth organizations to ensure inclusive participation and representation of India’s diverse climate initiatives. It is expected to showcase India's domestic efforts like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, International Solar Alliance (ISA), and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement during COP-33.
Main Point :- (i) The 2028 climate summit will also coincide with critical global climate deadlines, including progress reviews of the Global Stocktake and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India aims to use this occasion to present its enhanced climate actions across renewable energy, forestry, sustainable transport, and adaptation.
(ii) Senior officials from MoEFCC, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and NITI Aayog are part of the planning framework, and the host city for COP-33 is expected to be finalized by 2026. This will be the first time India hosts a COP summit since the inception of UNFCCC in 1992, making it a landmark event in India’s climate diplomacy.
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