The 24th World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), hosted by TERI from March 5-7, 2025, will focus on partnerships to accelerate climate solutions, enhance SDGs, and shape global sustainability policies.
The 24th edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), is set to take place from March 5-7, 2025, in New Delhi. Recognized as a premier global platform for sustainability discourse, WSDS 2025 will emphasize ‘Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions.’
A Decade Since the Paris Agreement: Strengthening Climate Commitments
The upcoming summit marks a crucial moment as the world approaches a decade since adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. With global progress on sustainability off-track, WSDS 2025 will focus on the role of partnerships in driving transformative climate action.
The event will feature a distinguished Opening Address by Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
Key Themes and Sessions
WSDS 2025 will convene global leaders, policymakers, scientists, industry experts, and youth advocates to explore pathways for achieving sustainability targets. The summit will feature:
- Seven high-level plenary sessions on sustainable finance, energy transitions, climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and sustainable development innovations.
- Over 24 thematic tracks, addressing key sustainability challenges and solutions.
- Discussions shaping messages for COP30 and India’s potential COP33 leadership.
- Strategies to enhance ambition for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0).
Global Thought Leaders at WSDS 2025
WSDS 2025 will host influential voices from international organizations, academia, and industries, including:
- Prof. Jim Skea, Chair, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
- Mr. Martin Raiser, Vice President, South Asia, The World Bank
- Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, President, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
- Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator, United Nations in India
- Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation
- Prof. Petteri Taalas, Director General, Finnish Meteorological Institute
- Ms. Dia Mirza, Actor, Producer, UN Secretary General’s Advocate for SDGs
Driving Climate Action Through Collaboration
Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Partnerships are the foundation of transformative climate action. WSDS 2025 aims to inspire cross-border cooperation, fostering innovation and ambitious sustainability solutions.”
Similarly, Mr. Ajay Shankar, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, noted, “With the world lagging on sustainability goals, WSDS 2025 will act as a catalyst for multi-stakeholder collaboration to build actionable pathways for a resilient planet.”
Sustainable Development Leadership Award & Act4Earth Manifesto
A major highlight of the summit will be the Sustainable Development Leadership Award (SDLA), which honors global leaders for exceptional contributions to sustainability. Additionally, WSDS 2025 will unveil the Act4Earth Manifesto, encapsulating the summit’s key takeaways and promoting year-round engagement on sustainability initiatives.
A Legacy of Two Decades
Originally launched as the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit in 2001, WSDS has evolved into a globally recognized forum driving sustainability action through ministerial dialogues, plenaries, thematic discussions, and showcases of green innovations.
With its commitment to accelerating climate solutions and fostering global cooperation, WSDS 2025 promises to be a landmark event in shaping the future of sustainable development.