The award announced on September 26, on the sidelines of 73rd UN General Assembly at New York City, was presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to PM Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday receives the United Nations' highest environmental honour, the 'UNEP Champions of the Earth' award, at a special ceremony at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi.
The award announced on September 26, on the sidelines of 73rd UN General Assembly at New York City, was presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Guterres said, "PM Modi recognises climate change poses a direct existential threat to us. He knows what we need to do to avoid a catastrophe. Other leaders also recognise, know and understand, but the difference is that he not only recognizes but he acts."
PM Modi has been awarded for his leadership of the International Solar Alliance and pledge to eliminate single use plastic in India by 2022.
Awarded annually, the 'Champions of the Earth' prize is given to outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private sector whose actions 'have had a positive impact on the environment.'
Besides Modi, the award has been bestowed upon five other individuals and organisations.
Six of the world's most outstanding environmental changemakers have been recognised with the Champions of the Earth Award.
"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 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, 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.
Cochin International Airport has also been honoured this year with the award for Entrepreneurial Vision, for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy.
The other winners of the 2018 Champions of the Earth Awards are Joan Carling, recognised with the lifetime achievement award for her work as one of the world's most prominent defenders of environmental and indigenous rights. Carling has been at the forefront of the conflict for land and the environment for more than 20 years.
The Champions of the Earth award is the UN's highest environmental recognition celebrating exceptional figures from the public and private sectors and from civil society, whose actions have had a transformative positive impact on the environment.
Past laureates include: Afroz Shah, who led the world's largest beach cleanup (2016), Rwandan President Paul Kagame (2016), former US Vice-President Al Gore (2007), Ocean Cleanup CEO Boyan Slat (2014), scientist-explorer Bertrand Piccard, and developer of Google Earth Brian McClendon (2013).
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 "PM Modi receives the 'UNEP Champions of the Earth' award from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at a ceremony in New Delhi")
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