At the World Sustainable Development Summit 2025 in New Delhi, climate experts and policymakers emphasized the urgency of updating Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) to accelerate global climate action, ensure accountability, and strengthen multilateral cooperation ahead of COP30 and COP33.
IndiaThe Ministerial titled “Multilateralism on the Road to COP30 and COP33” took center stage on Day 2 of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025, organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Bringing together climate experts, policymakers, and global leaders, the session underscored the urgent need to update Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), ensuring a stronger, more accountable framework for global climate action.
NDC 3.0: A Call for Greater Ambition and Accountability
The panelists emphasized that the NDC 3.0 framework, guided by the Global Stocktake (GST), must reflect ambitious targets to drive impactful climate solutions. Discussions also explored the role of the UAE-Belém Work Programme in strengthening global accountability and accelerating climate action.
As countries prepare to present their updated NDCs ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, India has formally submitted a bid to host COP33, further solidifying its leadership in global climate diplomacy. The session was moderated by Mr. R R Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow at TERI, who mapped out strategic pathways to ensure climate justice, scalable solutions, and sustainable development—especially for the Global South.
Global Leaders Weigh in on the Climate Crisis
Addressing the summit, Prof. Jim Skea, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), raised concerns over the narrowing window to limit global warming to 1.5°C, emphasizing that sustainable development and poverty eradication are intrinsically linked to the three core goals of the Paris Agreement.
H.E. Ms. Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to a just transition towards a low-carbon economy, ensuring that no community is left behind. She stated, “As the host of COP30, Brazil underscores that climate responsibility is a collective duty, and only through multilateralism can we translate commitments into action.”
H.E. Mr. Aain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Nepal’s Minister of Forest and Environment, highlighted India’s leadership in renewable energy, afforestation, and sustainable agriculture, offering insights that could guide Nepal’s own environmental strategies.
From Norway, H.E. Mr. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment, stressed the importance of global cooperation despite geopolitical challenges. “In a more challenging world, we need more international collaboration to tackle the planetary crisis of climate, nature, and pollution,” he stated.
H.E. Dr. Muaviyath Mohamed, Maldives’ Minister of State for Tourism and Environment, called for enhanced financial support and strategic partnerships to bridge funding gaps and accelerate NDC 3.0 implementation.
Climate Governance and Private Sector Engagement
Emphasizing systemic reforms in climate governance, Ms. Jennifer Lee Morgan, Germany’s State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action, outlined the Paris Agreement’s success factors: “Accelerating emissions reduction, empowering vulnerable communities, and leveraging the latest science are crucial for a just transition.”
Ms. Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Group, added a private-sector perspective, urging businesses to play a more active role in shaping NDCs through sector-specific transition plans and investment frameworks.
Empowering Grassroots Movements
Highlighting the role of civil society, Ms. Anne Jellema, Executive Director of 350.org, called for greater inclusion of marginalized communities in climate funding decisions. “If we truly believe in locally led solutions, we must ensure that those most affected by climate change have a real seat at the table,” she emphasized.
India’s Role in Global Climate Diplomacy
The discussions at WSDS 2025 reaffirmed India’s growing leadership in international climate governance, particularly as it positions itself as a potential host for COP33. Panelists explored how multilateral collaboration can enhance adaptation frameworks, accelerate climate action, and drive ambitious NDC 3.0 commitments.
With climate change at a critical juncture, the WSDS 2025 ministerial reinforced the need for stronger accountability, innovation, and inclusive strategies to combat the global climate crisis.