World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025: India’s Leadership in Climate Action

Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 in New Delhi. The event, organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), focused on strengthening global partnerships for accelerating sustainable development and climate solutions. Yadav emphasized India’s leadership in climate action, highlighting initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE). The summit was attended by key international leaders, including Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillip, and Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva.

Key Highlights of WSDS 2025

Inauguration & Theme

• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the summit.
• Theme: “Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions.”
• Organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

India’s Climate Leadership

• India reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 7.93% in 2020.

Focus on transformative climate initiatives, including,

• International Solar Alliance (ISA)
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
• Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

Call for Global Cooperation

• Urged developed nations to meet financial and technological commitments under the Paris Agreement.
• Stressed the need for increased adaptation finance for vulnerable regions.
• Advocated for the Global South’s active participation in climate action discussions.

Biodiversity & Sustainability

• Highlighted the importance of protecting biodiversity and addressing speciesism.
• Advocated for a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

India’s Long-term Vision

• Viksit Bharat 2047: India’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047.
• Net-zero emissions target: To achieve net-zero by 2070.
• Emission intensity of GDP reduced by 36% from 2005 to 2020.

Notable Attendees

• Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillip.
• Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva.
• Nitin Desai, Chairman of TERI.
• Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI.