Officials and experts gather at the 23 World Sustainable Development Summit to discuss urgent actions for combating climate change and advancing Sustainable Development Goals amidst mounting environmental challenges

In the wake of the triple planetary crises, the imperative for environmental stewardship and visionary leadership has taken center stage in fostering collective action and driving global efforts to confront shared environmental challenges. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 23 edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), the Honorable Vice President of India,  Jagdeep Dhankhar, stressed the critical importance of sustainable development and climate containment for ensuring a secure future. “We must recognise that the challenges we face know no borders,” remarked the Vice President.

Highlighting the urgency of visionary leadership, the Vice President emphasised the integration of sustainability into national planning, the allocation of budgets for green initiatives and the introduction of flagship schemes prioritising environmental protection, showcasing India’s leadership in embracing a holistic and inclusive approach to development.

Echoing similar sentiments,  Bhupender Yadav, Honorable Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, extended warm wishes and congratulated The Energy and Resources Institute(TERI) for organising the Summit successfully for over two decades. Emphasising the critical role of WSDS in shaping the path towards a sustainable future, Minister Yadav underscored the need for discussions on issues, solutions and initiatives for environmental conservation.

Furthermore, H.E. Brigadier (Retd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana, highlighted the partnership between India and Guyana, emphasising mutual support in fostering climate actions for building a resilient and sustainable future. Addressing the impact on children’s health and well-being, Prime Minister Phillips reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to ensuring access to safe water, nutrition and robust infrastructure.

The Summit, chaired by international ministers including H.E. Ms Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Minister for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Spain, emphasised innovative approaches to ensure resilience and sustainability, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). H.E. Mr Willie Tokataake, Minister of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, Kiribati, highlighted the unique challenges small island nations face and underscored the need for effective global solutions to mitigate climate change impacts.

Speaking of the ‘High-level opening session on Leadership in the time of poly-crisis,’ discussions, centred around the critical role of leadership at all levels in addressing escalating climate crises and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With geopolitical realities taking precedence, the Summit aims to facilitate dialogue among ministers, leaders and subject experts to steer the world towards achieving climate targets and ensuring a sustainable future.

The three-day Summit will serve as a platform for global leaders to deliberate on urgent actions to confront climate crises and uphold SDGs amidst mounting challenges.