Mumbai: The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) will be inaugurated by the vice president of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar on 7 February, 2024. Joining him at the inaugural ceremony will be esteemed guests, including the prime minister of Guyana, H.E. Brigadier (Retd) Mark Phillips, and Bhupender Yadav, minister of environment, forest, and climate change, Government of India. ministers from Spain, Kiribati and Fiji are expected to join. Pioneering conversations that drive global ambitions and actions at all levels, the 23rd edition of WSDS will be held from 7-9 February 2024, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The annual flagship multi-stakeholder event organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) since 2001, WSDS is the only independently convened international summit on sustainable development and environment based in the Global South. WSDS 2024 will be convened under the umbrella theme of ‘Leadership for Sustainable Development and Climate Justice’.
Addressing media at a curtain raiser event, TERI director general Dr Vibha Dhawan underscored, “As we get ready for the 23rd edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit, I look forward to thought-provoking discussions, innovative solutions, and a profound exploration of the pivotal role played by visionary leaders in the advancement of sustainable development on a global scale. TERI is privileged to lead this dialogue, cultivating groundbreaking solutions and strategies for a future that is both sustainable and equitable.”
“Regardless of whether a country is developed or developing, it is imperative for the world to acknowledge that climate change is not merely a reality but a shared one. As the world grapples with adverse effects of climate change, transitioning towards cleaner energy and adaptation measures become a priority,” she added.
Speaking on the occasion, former diplomat and TERI distinguished fellow Manjeev Singh Puri said, “WSDS is an excellent platform for exchange of ideas, knowledge, and best practices, propelling us towards the realization of SDGs and the Paris Agreement objectives through enlightened and collaboratively guided endeavours. WSDS, led by TERI, is charting a course towards a future where sustainability and equity converge, crafting a compelling narrative for the well-being of our planet.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of WSDS in advancing discussions on sustainable development and climate action, WSDS curator and TERI Sr fellow Dr Shailly Kedia emphasised, “The world has crossed the half-way point for implementation of the sustainable development goals which are severely off-track. The challenges associated with climate change and sustainable development are complex and interconnected and require visionary leadership. Time for climate action and sustainable development is running out, hence, leadership by various stakeholders at all levels is key. Polycrisis demands polycentric leadership. In this context, the World Sustainable Development Summit 2024 will be held under the umbrella theme of Leadership for Sustainable Development and Climate Justice.”
Considering the outcomes on loss and damage, global goal on adaptation, climate finance and the mandate for just transitions at COP28, WSDS will see diverse perspectives on climate justice from leaders of the small island developing states, Latin America, South Asia, and developed countries. WSDS 2024 will highlight several crucial themes, each contributing to a comprehensive discussion on sustainable development. These themes encompass nature and ecosystems, integrating sustainable development, addressing the energy trilemma, climate action, adaptation and resilience, and sustainable consumption and lifestyles. Collectively, these themes form the backbone of the summit, providing a comprehensive framework for addressing the multifaceted aspects of sustainable development.
The discussions with the global leaders are expected to create with an ambition of a more sustainable and equitable world for present and future generations.
