The 24th edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), organised by ‘The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)’, took place from 5th to 7th March, 2025 in New Delhi at India Habitat Centre. With the theme “Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions,” the summit brings together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and other stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on addressing critical environmental challenges.
The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), with a legacy spanning over two decades, has become a leading platform for promoting sustainable development globally. As the only independently convened international summit on sustainable development and environment based in the Global South, WSDS aims to provide long-term solutions for global communities. The summit not only fosters dialogue but also generates new knowledge through initiatives like Act4Earth, emphasising a constructivist approach to learning, where leaders reflect on experiences to reinforce global commitment to sustainable and equitable solutions for future generations.
This year the summit featured an impressive line-up of key participants, including India’s Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr. Bhupender Yadav. The summit also saw the participation of renowned global figures such as Mr. Jim Skea, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Mr. Martin Raiser, Vice President for South Asia at the World Bank, and Mr. Mark Anthony Phillips, Prime Minister of the Republic of Guyana. Additionally, Her Excellency (H.E.) Ms. Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil, and actor-producer Ms. Dia Mirza also joined the summit, adding their valuable insights to the discussions on sustainable development and climate action.
In his welcome address, Mr. Nitin Desai, Chairman of TERI, highlighted the summit’s role in shaping global sustainability discussions. He emphasised the need for partnerships that can drive sustainable development. Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, focused on the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling climate issues, noting that climate change affects everyone, with particularly harsh impacts on developing countries. She stressed that the lessons learned during the pandemic showed the power of working together to find solutions.
Minister Yadav delivered the inaugural address, reaffirming India’s dedication to environmental sustainability. He stressed the need to combat speciesism, which places human interests above the well-being of other species. He said, “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….”
Keynote addresses were delivered by His Excellency Brigadier (Retd) Mr. Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana, and Her Excellency Ms. Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Mr. Phillips stated that, “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.”
Ms. Silva highlighted the urgency of global cooperation in tackling climate change, and emphasised the need to accelerate transitions away from fossil fuels. . 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.”
The Sustainable Development Leadership Award (SDLA) was presented to His Excellency Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, and H.E. Ms. Marina Silva for their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and climate action. The award, TERI’s highest recognition, honour individuals whose leadership has made a significant impact on sustainable development.
Additionally, a special issue of TerraGreen, TERI’s environmental publication, was launched, featuring cutting-edge research, case studies, and insights into sustainability.
Dr. Shailly Kedia, Curator of WSDS and Senior Fellow at TERI, concluded the session by emphasizing the need for urgent global cooperation, transformative partnerships, and decisive action to accelerate sustainable development and climate solutions.
As TERI’s flagship event, WSDS has become a key global platform for advancing discussions on sustainability. The summit has consistently brought together heads of state, ministers, industry leaders, and scholars to formulate solutions and influence policy for a more sustainable future. The event continues over the next two days, with plenary sessions and exhibitions aimed at further strengthening the global dialogue on sustainable development and climate solutions.
