The 24th edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 was held in New Delhi, focusing on the role of partnerships in accelerating sustainable development and climate solutions.
Key Highlights of WSDS 2025
Theme: “Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions.”
Organized by: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Distinguished Attendees:
- Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier Mark Phillip.
- Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva.
Focus Areas:
- Emphasized collaborative problem-solving to accelerate global sustainable development.
- Stressed the importance of partnerships between governments, private sector, and civil society to drive climate action.
- India’s Role: Highlighted India’s growing leadership in shaping climate policies, especially for the Global South.
Key Discussions & Action Plan
Tackling Speciesism:
- The summit addressed the issue of speciesism, which prioritizes human interests over the well-being of other species and ecosystems.
- It advocated for a holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection.
Reforms in Global Climate Governance:
- Urged equity and justice at the core of international climate negotiations.
- Stressed the need for inclusive decision-making to benefit developing nations.
India’s Achievements in Climate Action
GHG Emission Reduction:
- In 2020, India reduced its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 7.93%, reinforcing its commitment to climate action.
Leading Global Climate Initiatives:
- International Solar Alliance (ISA) – Promoting solar energy adoption.
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – Strengthening disaster preparedness globally.
- Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) – Encouraging sustainable consumption patterns.
Long-Term Goals:
- “Viksit Bharat 2047”: India’s vision to become a developed nation.
- Net-Zero Target: Achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
- Emission Intensity Reduction: Between 2005 and 2020, India reduced emission intensity by 36%, compared to the 45% reduction target for 2030.
- Union Budget 2025 Priorities: Expanding clean energy capacity, Energy security, Boosting domestic manufacturing of green technologies.