Sri Lanka Earns UN Recognition for Climate Action and Youth-Led Environmental Initiatives
Colombo, The Gulf Observer: Sri Lanka has received international recognition for its climate action initiatives and environmental programmes, with the United Nations commending the country’s efforts to actively engage young people in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody announced that Sri Lanka’s environmental initiatives drew global attention during his participation in the 9th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Committee on Environment and Development, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 30 to July 4.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Government Information Department on Wednesday, the Deputy Minister said Sri Lanka participated in three high-level United Nations forums and a series of bilateral meetings, reaffirming its commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
During the 7th Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Conference organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Sri Lanka presented its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) for the 2026–2035 period, outlining ambitious climate strategies.
The country highlighted its target of generating 70 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources, accelerating the electrification of the transport sector and promoting climate-resilient smart agriculture as part of its long-term sustainability agenda.
Sri Lanka also showcased its plans to develop a blue economy and establish carbon market mechanisms through the protection of mangrove forests and coastal ecosystems during the UNESCAP Committee session and the High-Level Dialogue on Blue Carbon Financing.
In addition, the country sought international technical assistance to strengthen air quality monitoring systems and enhance environmental management capacity.
Deputy Minister Jayakody said discussions with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific opened new avenues for strategic cooperation, particularly in support of Sri Lanka’s National Environmental Literacy Index, youth leadership programmes and initiatives aimed at combating plastic pollution.
He noted that the Ministry of Environment’s national youth engagement programme received special recognition from the UNEP Asia-Pacific Region, which praised the initiative as a significant contribution to expanding youth participation in climate action and environmental stewardship.
According to the Deputy Minister, Sri Lanka’s participation in the international forums enabled the country to highlight its environmental challenges while demonstrating its firm commitment to sustainable development.
He added that the engagements created new opportunities to attract green investments, climate financing and international technical assistance, including support through future Global Environment Facility (GEF-9) projects focusing on air pollution control and plastic waste management.
