Solar power was contributing to rescuing the planet from climate change, the UN Secretary-General said

Renewable energy is the answer to limiting climate disruption and boosting energy security, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday during a visit to Modhera in Gujarat which has become India's first fully solar-powered village.

"I was happy to meet the community of the first village in India to have round the clock solar energy. Renewable energy is the answer to limiting climate disruption and boosting energy security," he tweeted, sharing a video of his visit.

The 24x7 solar power supply also illuminates the ancient Sun Temple in Modhera.

"Here, where the Temple of Sun was built 1000 years ago, there is a new Temple of Sun. It's based on solar energy," Guterres remarked while addressing a gathering at the temple.

According to the UN Secretary-General, solar power is transforming the lives of the people of the village, making it more healthy and giving them more prosperity. At the same time, it was contributing to rescuing the planet from "a climate change that is still riding without control," he pointed out.

The visit came on a day that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Mission LiFE, a worldwide mass movement to promote sustainable lifestyle transformation, in his presence at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia.

During his discussion with PM Modi, the UN Secretary-General expressed his admiration for India's ambitious climate action plans.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Prime Minister and the UNSG also discussed global and regional issues, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

The UNSG welcomed India’s upcoming Presidency of the G20 and underscored that the United Nations System would work together with India in facilitating transfer of technologies and finance for the benefit of developing countries, the MEA added.

Prime Minister Modi thanked UNSG for commencing his visit to India by paying homage to victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, and his strong message on countering terrorism.

Prior to meeting with PM Modi, the UN Secretary-General discussed several international issues in a meeting with Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar.