The 24th edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), recently commenced in New Delhi. Themed ‘Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions,’ WSDS 2025 brings together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and other stakeholders to foster collaborations and drive solutions for some of the most pressing environmental challenges.
Leaders call for urgent action on sustainability and climate solutions
In his welcome address, Mr. Nitin Desai, Chairman of TERI, highlighted the summit’s pivotal role in shaping the global sustainability discourse. He stated that TERI is deeply focused on identifying the necessary steps to foster partnerships that drive sustainable development.
In her theme address, Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, emphasized the critical role of collaboration and innovation in tackling climate challenges. She highlighted that climate change impacts every citizen, with varying degrees, especially in developing countries, and stressed the importance of global cooperation, citing the lessons learned from the pandemic on the power of collective action.
In his inaugural address, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. He emphasized the need to address speciesism and stressed that true sustainability requires equal consideration for all life forms, highlighting that collaborative efforts for environmental preservation are essential and urgent.
In his keynote address, His Excellency Brigadier (Retd) Mr. Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana, highlighted the importance of international partnerships in tackling sustainability challenges. He emphasized that Guyana exemplifies leadership and collaboration in sustainability, where growth is achieved without compromising environmental integrity.
Her Excellency Ms. Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation to combat climate change. She urged the acceleration of commitments made at COP28 and COP29, highlighting the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels and increasing climate finance.
Following the inaugural session, the Sustainable Development Leadership Award (SDLA) was presented to His Excellency Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Hon’ble Vice President of Guyana, and Her Excellency Ms. Marina Silva, Hon’ble Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to sustainability and climate action. The SDLA is TERI’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made a significant impact on environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable policymaking.
A special issue of TerraGreen was also launched, featuring groundbreaking research, case studies, and thought leadership in environmental sustainability.
Dr. Shailly Kedia, Curator of WSDS and Senior Fellow at TERI, concluded by emphasizing the need for global cooperation, transformative partnerships, and decisive action to accelerate sustainable development and climate solutions.
WSDS, TERI’s annual flagship event, has become a leading global platform for sustainable development dialogue and action. It has brought together dignitaries, including heads of state, ministers, industry leaders, and scholars, to address environmental issues and develop actionable solutions. The summit plays a key role in shaping policies, influencing decisions, and fostering climate action collaborations. WSDS 2025 continued over two days, featuring plenary sessions and exhibitions focused on sustainable development and climate solutions.
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