New Delhi, Mar 6, 2025: The 24th edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), brought together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and other stakeholders to foster collaborations and drive solutions for some of the most pressing environmental challenges.
Themed 'Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions,' WSDS 2025 event commenced here on Wednesday.
Delivering the welcome address, Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI, highlighted the summit’s role in shaping global sustainability discourse. He stated, “TERI is highly focused on identifying the necessary steps to foster partnerships that drive sustainable development.”
In her theme address, Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing climate challenges. She remarked, “Every citizen is affected by climate change, though the extent of the impact varies, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, we believe global collaborations will be crucial. During the pandemic, we learned that when we work together, finding solutions becomes possible.”
Delivering the inaugural address, Bhupender Yadav, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reaffirmed India’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. He reiterated the need to confront the issue of speciesism, which, like racism, prioritizes human interests over the well-being of other species and ecosystems. He emphasized, “True sustainability can only be achieved when all forms of life are considered equally important and when environmental policies account for the protection and restoration of wildlife and biodiversity. Collaborations for fostering environmental sustainability is not an option, rather it is a necessity. The time to act is NOW.”
Brigadier (Retd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the pivotal role of international partnerships in addressing sustainability challenges. He stated, “Guyana stands as a testament to leadership, partnerships, and convergence in the pursuit of sustainability. In Guyana, growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.”
Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil, also delivered a keynote address, stressing the urgency of global cooperation in tackling climate change. She commented, “As we move towards COP30, we must accelerate the implementation of the commitments made in Dubai and Baku. We must advance on our transitions from fossil fuels while stepping up on climate finance.”
Following the inaugural session, the Sustainable Development Leadership Award (SDLA) was presented to Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, and Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil, for their exceptional contributions to sustainability and climate action. The SDLA, TERI’s highest recognition for outstanding global leadership in sustainable development, honours individuals who have made a significant impact in environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable policymaking.
Additionally, a special issue of TerraGreen was launched, showcasing groundbreaking research, case studies, and thought leadership in environmental sustainability.
Dr Shailly Kedia, Curator of WSDS and Senior Fellow at TERI, in her vote of thanks, said, “Today's deliberations have reinforced the urgency of global cooperation, transformative partnerships, and decisive action to accelerate sustainable development and climate solutions.”
As TERI’s annual flagship event, WSDS has established itself as one of the foremost global platforms for advancing sustainable development dialogue and action. Over the years, WSDS has brought together high-level dignitaries from across the world, including heads of state, ministers, industry leaders, and scholars, to deliberate on pressing environmental issues and formulate actionable solutions. The summit serves as a key driver in shaping policies, influencing decision-making, and fostering collaborations that accelerate climate action.
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