India at the Forefront: Championing Climate Action for the Global South at World Sustainable Development Summit 2025

The Global South is taking charge of the climate conversation, with India standing out as a leader in sustainable development. At the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Sh. Bhupender Yadav, expressed India’s commitment to addressing climate change. This year’s theme, “Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions,” invited global leaders and experts to share ideas on how to tackle this pressing issue.

Notable attendees included HE Brigadier Mark Phillip, Prime Minister of Guyana, and HE Ms. Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change. During his address, Sh. Yadav pointed out the important role that the Global South plays in climate discussions, urging the need for increased ambition and collaboration internationally.

India has made significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, emissions dropped by 7.93% in 2020, showcasing a strong commitment to climate action. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the country launched several important initiatives:

• International Solar Alliance (ISA) – focuses on increasing solar energy use worldwide.
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – aims to improve global infrastructure resilience against disasters.
• Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) – promotes sustainable living and eco-friendly habits.

Sh. Yadav emphasized that sustainability is not just about people; it also involves protecting wildlife and restoring ecosystems. Achieving true sustainability requires us to consider all forms of life, not just human interests.

As the Global South continues to face the harsh impacts of climate change, Sh. Yadav pressed developed countries to meet their financial and technological commitments outlined in the Paris Agreement. He called for nations to improve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to address the real challenges and opportunities in climate action.

Additionally, he highlighted the urgent need for more funding for climate adaptation. The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report indicates a pressing requirement to scale up efforts that help vulnerable areas build resilience and protect their communities.

Looking to the future, Sh. Yadav shared India’s ambition to become a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047, with a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. Key targets include:

• Reducing emission intensity of GDP by 36% from 2005 to 2020, and aiming for a 45% reduction by 2030.
• Investing in energy security and clean energy as highlighted in the Union Budget 2025.

He stressed that climate action must be linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encouraged global cooperation to address issues like poverty and environmental harm. A call for reform in global governance was also made to ensure that justice and equity are at the forefront of climate negotiations.

Recognizing the role of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in uniting the Global South, Sh. Yadav praised its leadership in climate action. He urged for partnerships across different sectors to speed up the move toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.

TERI was represented at the summit by Sh. Nitin Desai and Dr. Vibha Dhawan, along with various environmental experts and policymakers. The event reinforced the message that working together globally is essential for building a resilient and sustainable future.