THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
Dr. Joram Aniya, Member, Niti Aayog,
Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi, Prof. Yogesh Singh Ji,
Director (Offg.), Delhi School of Economics, Prof. Surender Kumar Ji,
Chairman, IEDS, Prof. Pradeep K. Joshi Ji,
Distinguished Academicians, Scholars, Delegates and students.
The theme of the conference—Economic Development, Demographic Transition, and Environmental Sustainability—brings together, three of the most important questions, facing the world today.
For much, of the last century, economic development was measured, primarily through growth. Higher GDP, greater industrial output, increased consumption, and urban expansion, they became the principal indicators, of progress. That model undoubtedly, created prosperity, and lifted millions, out of poverty. But it also created, new challenges.
Today, no discussion, about economic development, can be complete, without considering, its environmental consequences. Likewise, no discussion, about sustainability, can ignore the aspirations, of billion and half people, who seek better jobs, better housing, better healthcare, and a higher quality of life. The central challenge, before policymakers, economists, and governments, is therefore, not whether, we should choose development, or sustainability. The challenge is, how to achieve both, together.
As Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, has said: “If we want, the process of development, to be sustainable, we have to work, with the environment.” This captures, the essence of our task—development and sustainability, must move, hand in hand.
This is particularly relevant, for countries like India. India is home, to one of the world’s youngest populations. Over the next two decades, our demographic profile, will continue to provide us, with significant opportunities. A large working-age population, can become a powerful engine, of growth, innovation, and productivity. However, demographic advantage, is not automatic. It requires investment, in education, skills, healthcare, employment generation, and social infrastructure. A demographic dividend, becomes meaningful, only when human potential, is matched, by opportunity.
At the same time, India is urbanising rapidly. Cities are becoming, centres of economic activity, innovation, and investment. They attract talent, create jobs, and drive growth. But urbanisation, also places pressure, on natural resources, water systems, energy demand, transport networks, and environment sustainability.
This is particularly visible, in Delhi, one of India’s largest economic, and knowledge centres. Home to universities, research institutions, entrepreneurs, industries, and millions of citizens, Delhi reflects, the aspirations of modern India. Every day, the city experiences, both the opportunities and challenges, of rapid urbanisation. Questions of air quality, water security, waste management, mobility, energy consumption, and climate resilience, are not theoretical, here—they directly affect, daily life.
Yet Delhi, also offers an opportunity, to demonstrate how economic growth, and environmental sustainability, can move together. Efforts to rejuvenate, water bodies, restore sections, of the Yamuna floodplains, expand green cover, strengthen biodiversity parks, promote electric mobility, improve public transport, increase the use of treated water, and develop sustainable, urban infrastructure, all reflect a broader vision of development, that seeks to improve, both productivity and quality of life. The challenge before Delhi, is not simply, to become a larger city, but a better city—economically dynamic, environmentally responsible, technologically innovative, and socially inclusive. In many ways, Delhi can serve as a model, for the broader vision, of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Climate change, resource scarcity, pollution, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events, are no longer, distant concerns. They have become economic realities. Environmental challenges, now directly affect, productivity, public health, infrastructure, food security, and resilience.
Sustainability, is therefore, not only an, environmental issue—it is an economic, and developmental issue, and increasingly, a national security issue.
This is particularly visible, in the field of energy. India’s growing economy, requires reliable and affordable energy, to support industry, transportation, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and daily life. At the same time, dependence on imported energy, exposes countries, to geopolitical uncertainty, and supply disruptions.
Recent instability, in various parts of the world, reminds us, that energy security and economic security, are closely linked. This is why, India’s investments, in solar energy, wind energy, green hydrogen, biofuels, and other renewable sources, are so important. These are, not only environmental initiatives—they are investments, in long-term resilience, and strategic autonomy. The transition towards cleaner energy, is therefore, both an environmental imperative, and a developmental opportunity.
The same principle, applies to water management, waste management, public transportation, circular economy models, and sustainable urban planning. The solutions of the future, will require innovation, but also a change, in how we think, about development itself. The idea, that progress can be measured, solely through increasing levels, of consumption, deserves closer examination. The future may depend, not only on producing more, but on using resources, more efficiently.
That conversation, is particularly important, for institutions, such as the Delhi School of Economics, which has played, a distinguished role in shaping economic thought, and public policy in India. Universities have a special responsibility, in this regard. They must, not only analyse, existing realities but also challenge assumptions, generate new ideas, and help societies prepare, for future challenges.
I wish this conference, every success, and hope, that its deliberations contribute, meaningfully to this important, global conversation.
Thank you.
Jai Hind.