Alec Baldwin with UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Miss Asia Pacific 2000 Dia Mirza hosting the Champions of the Earth Gala in New York City
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been awarded the UN's highest environmental honour 'Champions of the Earth' for his leadership of the International Solar Alliance and pledge to eliminate single-use plastic in India by 2022. The awards were presented during the Champions of the Earth Gala in New York City. The gala was hosted by actor and environmental activist Alec Baldwin and actress and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza.
Cochin International Airport was also honoured with the award in the category of Entrepreneurial Vision, for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy, along with four other environmental change makers. The airport is world's first fully solar-powered airport. "Cochin is showing the world that our ever-expanding network of global movement doesn't have to harm the environment," the statement said.
Launched in 2005, Champions of the Earth, the UN’s highest environmental honour, celebrates outstanding figures from the public and private sectors and from the civil society whose actions have had a transformative positive impact on the environment.
"This years' laureates are recognised for a combination of bold, innovative, and tireless efforts to tackle some of the most urgent environmental issues of our times," the UN Environment Programme said.French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Modi have been jointly recognised in the Policy Leadership category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action.