28 February 2026, New Delhi: The final day of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2026 ended on a hopeful note. Leaders in government, business, and civil society gathered for the Valedictory Session, themed “Reflections, Resurgence, and Resolve for Our Common Future.” This year’s event, hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), emphasized the need for urgent and accountable climate action.
Held in the historic Durbar Hall, the session highlighted that climate action requires commitment from everyone. Mr. Tanmay Kumar, from India’s Ministry of Environment, stressed that climate change is not just an environmental issue; it affects development and well-being. He noted India’s unique approach, balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility. “We cannot tackle today’s poverty by creating tomorrow’s ecological crisis,” he said, highlighting that India aims to reach its 2030 target for renewable energy five years early.
Ms. Dia Mirza, UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador, pointed out that climate change has a gender impact. Women, who grow much of the world’s food, bear the brunt of its effects yet remain underrepresented in decision-making. “Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s vital for survival and dignity,” she remarked.
With 65% of India’s population under 35, youth involvement is also crucial. Ms. Isabelle Tschan from UNDP mentioned a new initiative, the Mission LiFE Youth Ambassadors programme, which aims to engage young leaders in sustainability practices.
Ms. Vaishali Nigam Sinha of ReNew emphasized that development and climate action are intertwined. “Clean energy is not just a good idea; it’s necessary for economic growth,” she asserted, noting that the Global South is increasingly offering innovative solutions instead of seeking permission to act.
Also, Dr. Ash Pachauri from the POP Movement reflected on WSDS’s 25-year legacy and urged attendees to leverage everything learned for future action. “What will we do with all that we have learned?” he asked, prompting reflection on collective responsibility.
Ms. Prachi Shevgaonkar from Cool The Globe shared her personal journey, illustrating how grassroots efforts can lead to broader change. What started as her initiative in a college dorm now involves citizens from over 150 countries.
Mr. Nitin Desai, chairman of TERI, noted the importance of shared learning among all sectors. “Sustainable development requires collaboration, not isolated efforts,” he said. Dr. Vibha Dhawan echoed this, emphasizing the need for partnerships to adapt research to current needs.
Dr. Shailly Kedia, the curator of WSDS, highlighted the event’s record attendance and the shift from broad discussions to practical solutions. This year’s summit included significant launches, like the “Climate Capital” magazine, focusing on youth perspectives, and the Act4Earth Manifesto, which outlines collective climate commitments.
Additionally, the sustainability expo TerraZone showcased innovative solutions in clean technology and circular economy practices, while Him-CONNECT highlighted efforts from the Himalayan region.
As WSDS 2026 wrapped up, the message was clear: the climate decade needs unity—combining finance with fairness, innovation with inclusion, and ambition with accountability. With these commitments, WSDS reinforced its role as a vital platform for transformative climate action.
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The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
