7 February 2025 – The Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI) hosted a high-level session, “Global Cooperation in Carbon Markets,” at India Climate Week 2025 on 6 February, the 4th day of its premier flagship event, in New Delhi. This session convened representatives from 30 countries, senior government officials, and global industry leaders to advance international collaboration on carbon markets and drive urgent climate action. This was one of the first big global gatherings by representatives of nearly 30 countries after COP29 on climate solutions. Several ambassadors shared their vision of what global cooperation means in their view. Among the key dignitaries present was the Ambassador of Brazil to India, H.E. Mr. Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega, marked his presence representing his country at a massive global stage ahead of COP30 to be held there.
The session opened with remarks by Mr. Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, CMAI, followed by a welcome address by Mr. Manish Dabkara, President, CMAI. “This session comes at a critical juncture, just months after COP29, where the global community deliberated on scaling carbon market finance. Today, as we convene representatives from 30 nations, we have the opportunity to shape a cooperative future where carbon markets transcend national boundaries and become a powerful tool for global emissions reduction,” said Mr. Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, CMAI in his opening remarks.
The session focused on strengthening global carbon trading frameworks, enhancing market credibility, and ensuring transparent cross-border transactions. The discussion was held on international collaboration, strengthening collective global efforts to align carbon markets with climate goals, carbon market mechanisms, examining Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as tools for effective emissions reduction. The discussion also threw light on the challenges and opportunities to global carbon market implementation and identifying pathways for innovation along with best practices and green technology partnerships to showcase successful initiatives to drive carbon market efficiency. This session is particularly significant in the wake of COP29, as it will serve as a critical platform for accelerating carbon finance and climate action, underscoring the urgent need for global alignment in achieving Net Zero objectives. “India will be our key partner in setting narratives at COP30. We also look forward to our cooperation within India in the field of other Renewable Energy,” Mr. Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega reflected.
The session featured insights from leading policymakers and international delegates: H.E. Ms. Lalatiana Accouche, High Commissioner of Seychelles to India, H.E. Mr. Benedikt Höskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland to India, H.E. Mr. Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, H.E. Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Odowa, Federal Republic of Somalia to India, and H.E. Capaya Rodriguez González, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to India.
In a significant milestone in India’s journey towards sustainable waste management and climate action, the Carbon Markets Association of India also officially launched the India EPR Alliance. EPR is a policy approach that holds producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal, encouraging sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact. The alliance aims to drive the adoption and effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) across industries, promoting a circular economy and addressing India’s waste management challenges. The Alliance was launched in the presence of Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Commerce & Industry; Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology; Mr. Dhanish Goyal, Chair, India EPR Alliance; Mr. Vipul Tyagi, Co-Chair, India EPR Alliance, Mr. Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, CMAI; other dignitaries including industry leaders in New Delhi.
“I congratulate CMAI for this theme “Uniting the World for Climate Action”. It’s been a talk and debate for quite something on how to deal with the menace of global warming and climate change. We are reaching the level that is required but at the same time India has just begun. Some other countries that have gone ahead and led to the situation where we are today (climate change) and under the leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as far as commitment to EPR is concerned, India has taken bold steps in implementing the solutions,” said Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
“The mandate of EPR is working well now. And with respect to EPR and carbon credit, I think this is the first conference to have such detailed discussions on them. So I congratulate you. It will be a milestone in India’s climate journey. It is an opportunity for everyone who wants to see India to grow, as per the vision of PM Modi. I am confident that this sector will play a huge role in India’s target of a $5 trillion economy,” said Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament and the Founder and General Secretary, CAIT.
Another highlight of the event was the India Climate Samman 2025 awards, celebrating exceptional contributions to climate leadership, carbon market innovation, and sustainability. The prestigious ceremony recognised individuals, organisations, and state entities driving India’s transition towards a greener, more resilient future. The event featured Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament and National Secretary General, CAIT, as the Guest of Honour. Dr. VK Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, delivered a special address, underlining the role of carbon markets in India’s net-zero journey.
“This conference is going to be a historical conference as far as EPR and carbon credits are concerned. This conference can set the basic fundamentals for EPR and carbon credits especially,” said Shri Khandelwal while addressing the esteemed gathering.
India Climate Samman 2025 recognised leaders and organisations across multiple categories, acknowledging achievements in policy, carbon markets, entrepreneurship, green infrastructure, and climate journalism. Among the key honourees are:
- India Net-Zero Leadership (organisation) – REMC Limited
- India Climate Policy Champion – Mr. RR Rashmi & Dr. R K Malhotra
- Active State in India for Climate Action – DoEFCC, Government of Arunachal Pradesh & DoFECC, Government of Jharkhand
- India Special Jury Samman – Ecological Task Force Units of Territorial Army
- India Maximum Carbon Projects – The Tata Power Company Ltd., Malpani Group, and Sembcorp Green Infra Ltd.
- India’s Highest Carbon Credit Issuance – ACME Solar Holdings Ltd., JSW Neo Energy Ltd., Hero Future Energies Pvt Ltd.
- Lifetime Achievement in Climate Leadership – Dr. VK Saraswat & Dr. Ajay Mathur
- India Climate Youth Icon – Mr. Vijay Nirani
- India Women in Climate Leadership – Ms. Veena Sinha
- India Climate Journalism – Mr. Ashok Shrivastav, DD News
- Climate Champion in Innovation and Technology – Dr. Alok Sharma
The ceremony also honoured innovators in carbon sequestration, circular economy leadership, and climate entrepreneurship, recognising Amrut Nature Solutions Pvt. Ltd., CEID Consultants and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Manvendra Yadav, among others. With India positioning itself as a global leader in carbon trading, renewable energy, and sustainable development, India Climate Samman 2025 stands as a corroboration to the country’s commitment to achieving Net Zero. The winners of this year’s awards represent the pioneers and changemakers shaping India’s low-carbon future. India Climate Samman is one of the first awards in the country to be given exclusively for environmental work.
