Join the Movement: World Sustainable Development Summit 2025 Unites Global Leaders for Urgent Climate Action and Innovative Partnerships

New Delhi, Mar 6, 2025: The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) kicked off its 24th edition this week, hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). This event brought together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from around the globe to tackle key environmental challenges.

This year’s theme is ‘Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions.’ It’s all about collaboration and finding actionable solutions for a healthier planet.

In his welcome speech, Nitin Desai, the Chairman of TERI, talked about how important this summit is for promoting sustainability. He said, “We must identify the steps needed to form partnerships that lead to sustainable development.”

Dr. Vibha Dhawan, TERI’s Director General, highlighted the critical role of teamwork in fighting climate issues. She pointed out, “Climate change impacts everyone, especially in developing nations. Our experience during the pandemic shows we can find solutions if we work together.”

Bhupender Yadav, India’s Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, emphasized India’s commitment to environmental health. He discussed the need to address speciesism, which prioritizes human needs over the welfare of other species. He asserted, “Sustainability requires us to value all life equally. We must act now, as collaborating on environmental policies is not optional—it’s essential.”

Brigadier (Retd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana, spoke about the importance of international cooperation for sustainability. He stated, “Guyana is a model of how growth and environmental sustainability can coexist.”

Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, also called for urgent global teamwork in combatting climate change. She said, “As we head towards COP30, it’s vital to implement our commitments from previous conferences and boost climate finance while moving away from fossil fuels.”

The summit awarded the Sustainable Development Leadership Award (SDLA) to Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, and Marina Silva for their remarkable efforts in sustainability and climate action. This award is TERI’s highest honor, given to those who significantly impact environmental conservation and sustainable policies.

A special issue of TerraGreen was also launched, featuring innovative research and insights on sustainability.

Dr. Shailly Kedia, the curator of WSDS, concluded with a vote of thanks, stressing the urgency for global cooperation and decisive action to move sustainable development forward.

WSDS has become a leading platform for sustainable development discussions. It gathers high-level figures from around the world, including heads of state and industry leaders, to address pressing environmental issues. The summit plays a vital role in shaping policies and encouraging collaborative efforts for climate action.