Urgent call for leadership and international cooperation to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The 23rd World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), kicked off today with a clarion call for strong leadership and international cooperation to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar: emphasized the urgency of sustainable development and climate action, stating, “We must recognize that challenges we face know no borders.” He highlighted India’s commitment to green initiatives and holistic development approaches.
Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav: lauded WSDS as a vital platform for discussing solutions and initiatives for environmental conservation, especially with the theme of “Leadership for Sustainable Development and Climate Justice.” He noted India’s revised NDCs and long-term emission development strategy, reaffirming the country’s commitment to fighting climate change and ensuring climate justice.
H E Brigadier (Retd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana: emphasized the importance of partnerships like the one between India and Guyana, stressing the focus on building a resilient and sustainable future. He also highlighted Guyana’s commitment to addressing the impact of climate change on children, ensuring access to safe water, nutrition, and infrastructure.
Mr Nitin Desai, Chairman – Governing Council, TERI: underscored the need to move beyond awareness and take action to protect the environment. He emphasized the importance of bringing together decision-makers to shape the link between environment and development.
International Ministers: stressed on the importance of innovative approaches to ensure resilience and sustainability, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). H.E. Ms Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Minister of Spain: highlighted the challenge of mobilizing climate finance with the right instruments and incentives, while H.E. Mr Willie Tokataake, Minister of Kiribati: emphasized the need for developed nations to recognize the vulnerability of SIDS despite their minimal emissions.
H.E. Mr Vatimi Rayalu, Minister of Fiji: called for an enabling environment for economic opportunities, climate resilience, and sustainable development through regional and global collaboration.
TERI celebrated its 50th anniversary by launching “TERI’s solutions for sustainable development”. A fireside chat on “High-level opening session on Leadership in the time of polycrisis” followed the inaugural ceremony.