Overview

Dr. Arvind Kumar, President of the India Water Foundation (IWF), addressed the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change. He asserted that transforming global food systems is essential to safeguarding human rights amid accelerating climate change.

Climate‑Food Linkage

Kumar explained that climate change and food insecurity are deeply interconnected; disruptions such as reduced crop yields, lower livestock productivity, and damaged supply chains arise from extreme weather events. He noted that warmer temperatures, droughts and floods diminish nutritional value, accelerate food spoilage and push food prices higher, thereby threatening worldwide food security.

India’s Climate‑Resilient Agricultural Response

Highlighting India’s proactive stance, Kumar described the development of climate‑resilient crop varieties that require significantly less water while maintaining productivity. These varieties aim to strengthen nutritional security and enhance farmer resilience in vulnerable regions. He also referenced the Government of India’s landmark 2024 decision to launch the National Mission on Natural Farming, an ecosystem‑based agricultural initiative designed to further support climate‑resilient and sustainable farming practices.

IWF’s Commitment and Alignment with Global Goals

Kumar reaffirmed IWF’s commitment to supporting global efforts that place human rights at the centre of climate action and food‑system transformation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and India’s international climate commitments.

Parallel Photo Exhibition in Geneva

In conjunction with the UNHRC session, the IWF team organized a photo exhibition at the iconic Broken Chair Square in Geneva. The exhibition showcased India’s progress in health, nutrition, water, sanitation and community well‑being, illustrating how integrated investments in these areas contribute to stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. The narrative emphasized that unsafe water and poor sanitation cause infections that drain vital nutrients, making integrated WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) approaches essential for preventing malnutrition.

Disclaimer

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