New York, Sept 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were accorded with the 'Champions of Earth Award' -- the highest honour by the United Nations for commitment towards meeting environmental goals.

As per the statement issued by the UN, the global body has recognised the initiative taken by Macron and Modi towards achieving the environmental goals drawn at the Paris Climate Summit. International Solar Alliance: PM Modi Lists 10 Action Points at Founding Conference.

"Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, are recognized in the Policy Leadership category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance," the press release said.

The UN further lauded the two leaders for "promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action, including Macron’s work on the Global Pact for the Environment and Modi’s unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022".

Meanwhile, China's Zhejiang was honoured for the Green Revival Programme, which aims to replenish the water bodies in the heavily industrialised zone. Among other recipients include Joan Carling's 'Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods', which has been honoured for developing plant-based substitutes for meat and dairy products.

The Cochin Airport was awarded under the Entrepreneurial Vision category, with the UN hailing the airport for its "leadership in the use of sustainable energy".

The honours will be bestowed on the recipients at the Champions of the Earth Gala, which will be held on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly. The award show, to be hosted by actor and environmental activist Alec Baldwin, will also feature Indian actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2018 11:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).