The 10th Meeting of BRICS Environment Ministers took place in a hybrid format on June 28, 2024, under the Chairship of the Russian Federation. Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, participated virtually in the meeting. This was the first meeting of BRICS Environment Ministers after the inclusion of five new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the enhanced capacity of a larger BRICS to set agendas, priorities, and the way forward in addressing environmental challenges. He emphasized that BRICS initiatives are firmly guided by the principles and goals of the UN system and its agencies. Yadav called for ensuring that the available carbon space is utilized by developing countries.

Yadav emphasized the importance of sustainable lifestyles in addressing global environmental issues. He urged BRICS nations to promote the implementation of the Resolution on Sustainable Lifestyles, adopted at the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly.

Yadav stressed the need for a level playing field for developing countries. He called on developed countries to fulfill their commitments for means of implementation, including the financial promises made at UNFCCC COP and CBD COP. He cautioned that climate finance should not be viewed merely as a means of investment.

The Union Minister highlighted India's concrete actions at both the national and international levels to address environmental challenges. He urged BRICS nations to support initiatives such as the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign launched by Prime Minister Modi on World Environment Day 2024, and other global initiatives led by India, including Mission LiFE, IBCA, CDRI, LeadIT, Green Credit Initiative, RE & CE-IC, and GIR-GIP.

Yadav underlined the need for strengthening and widening collaboration and cooperation among BRICS nations. He called for continued close collaboration in multilateral forums and standing together to uphold the principles of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the STATEMENT of the 10th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting, held in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

This meeting marked a significant step towards enhanced cooperation and collective action among BRICS nations to address pressing environmental challenges.