16-Feb-2022: PM delivers inaugural address at TERI’s World Sustainable Development Summit

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivered the inaugural address at The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) World Sustainable Development Summit today via video message. Mr. Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Ms. Amina J Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General, United Nations and Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav were among those present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister recalled that Environment and sustainable development have been key focus areas for him all through his 20 years in office, first in Gujarat and now at the national level. He said that it is not the planet that is fragile but the commitments to the planet, to nature, have been fragile. He pointed out that very little has been done despite lot of talk over the last 50 years, since the 1972 Stockholm Conference. But in India, the Prime Minister said, we have walked the talk. “Equitable energy access to the poor has been a cornerstone of our environmental policy”, he said. Steps like 90 million households getting access to clean cooking fuel under Ujjwala Yojana and renewable energy to farmer Under the PM-KUSUM scheme where farmers are being encouraged to set up solar panels, use it and sell surplus power to the grid will promote sustainability and equity.

The Prime Minister informed about  LED bulbs distribution scheme that has been running for over seven years, has helped save more than 220 billion units of electricity and 180 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Also, the National Hydrogen Mission aims to tap into Green Hydrogen he said. he encouraged academic and research institutes like TERI to come up with scalable solutions to realize the potential of green hydrogen.

With 2.4% of the world's land area, India accounts for nearly 8% of the world's species. The Prime Minister said, India is a mega-diverse country and It is our duty to protect this ecology.

Commenting on the efforts regarding strengthening of Protected Area network, the Prime Minister talked of international recognition to India’s efforts such as The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognition. The Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Haryana being declared as an O.E.C.M. site for its effective conservation of biodiversity. With recognition of two more Indian wetlands as Ramsar sites India now has 49 Ramsar sites spread over more than 1 million hectares.

Restoring degraded land has been one of the main focus areas and since 2015 and more than 11.5 Million Hectares have been restored.  “We are on track to achieve the national commitment of Land Degradation Neutrality under the Bonn Challenge. We firmly believe in fulfilling all our commitments made under the U.N.F and Triple C. We have also raised our ambitions during CoP-26 at Glasgow”, Shri Modi said.

The Prime Minister stressed that environmental sustainability can only be achieved through climate justice. He said that energy requirements of the people of India are expected to nearly double in the next twenty years. “Denying this energy would be denying life itself to millions. Successful climate actions also need adequate financing. For this, developed countries need to fulfill their commitments on finance and technology transfer”, he emphasized.

The Prime Minister emphasize that sustainability requires coordinated action for the global commons. “Our efforts have recognised this inter-dependence. Through the International Solar Alliance, our aim is ''One Sun, One World, One Grid''. We must work towards ensuring availability of clean energy from a world-wide grid everywhere at all times. This is the ''whole of the world'' approach that India's values stand for”, he further elaborated.

The concerns of the disaster-prone areas have been addressed by the initiatives like The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (C.D.R.I.) and ''Infrastructure for Resilient Island States''. The Island Developing States are the most vulnerable and hence need urgent protection, he said.

The Prime Minister reiterated the two initiatives of   LIFE - Lifestyle For Environment and Pro Planet People (3-Ps). These global coalitions will form foundation of our environment efforts for improving the global commons, he said.

10-Feb-2021: PM inaugurates World Sustainable Development Summit 2021

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 via video conferencing. The theme of the Summit is ‘Redefining our common future: Safe and secure environment for all’.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister  congratulated to TERI for sustaining this momentum and said that Global platforms like this are important for our present and future. He said that two things will define how the progress journey of humanity will unfold in the times to come. First is the health of our people. Second is the health of our planet, both are inter-linked.

He said that we have gathered here to talk about the health of the planet. The scale of the challenge we face is widely known. But, conventional approaches cannot solve the problems we face. The need of the hour is to think out of the box invest in our youngsters and work towards sustainable development.

The Prime Minister emphasized on climate justice for fighting against climate change.   Climate justice is inspired by a vision of trusteeship- where growth comes with greater compassion to the poorest. Climate justice also means giving the developing countries enough space to grow. When each and every one of us understands our individual and/ collective duties, climate justice will be achieved.

He said that India's intent is supported by concrete action. Powered by spirited public efforts, we are on track to exceed our commitments and targets from Paris. We are committed to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33 to 35 percent from 2005 levels. He also shared that India is making steady progress on its commitment to Land Degradation Neutrality. Renewable energy is also picking speed in India. We are well on track to setting up four fifty giga watts of Renewable Energy generating capacity by Twenty Thirty.

The Prime Minister said that sustainable development is incomplete without equitable access. In this direction too, India has made good progress. In march 2019, India achieved nearly hundred percent electrification. This was done through sustainable technologies and innovative models. He highlighted that through the Ujala program, three sixty seven million LED  bulbs became a part of people's lives. This reduced over thirty eight million tonnes carbon dioxide per year. The Jal Jeevan Mission has connected over thirty four million house-holds with tap connections in just about 18 months. Through the PM Ujjwala Yojna more than 80 million house-holds below poverty line have access to clean cooking fuel. We are working to increase the share of natural gas in India's energy basket from 6 percent to 15 percent, he added.

The Prime Minister pointed out that often discussions on sustainability become too focused on green energy but green energy is only the means. The destination we seek is a greener planet. Our culture's deep respect for forests and green cover is translating into out-standing results. He also said that our mission to achieve sustainable development also includes special attention towards animal protection. He shared that in the last five to seven years, the population of lions, tigers, leopards and Gangetic river dolphin has gone up.

The Prime Minister drew attention of the participants on two aspects: Togetherness and Innovation. He said that sustainable development will only be achieved by collective efforts. When every individual thinks of national good, When every nation thinks of global good, That is when sustainable development will become a reality. India has made an effort in this direction through the International Solar Alliance. He urged all participants to keep our minds and nations open to best practices from all over the world.

Regarding innovation, he said that there are many start-ups working on renewable energy, environment friendly technology and more. As policy makers, we should support as many of these efforts. The energy of our youth will certainly lead to outstanding results.

The Prime Minister specifically mentioned about disaster management capabilities. He said that this requires focus on human resource development and technology. As part of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, we are working in this direction. He assured that India is ready to do whatever possible to further sustainable development. Our human centric approach could be a force multiplier for global good.

8-Feb-2021: PM to inaugurate World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 on 10th February

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 on 10th February at 6:30 PM via video conferencing. The theme of the Summit is ‘Redefining our common future: Safe and secure environment for all’. H.E. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea; Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Republic of Maldives; Ms. Amina J Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations, and Shri Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change will be present on the occasion.

About the Summit: The 20th edition of The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) flagship event, the World Sustainable Development Summit, will be held online from 10th-12th February, 2021. The Summit will bring together a wide number of governments, business leaders, academicians, climate scientists, youth, and the civil society in the fight against climate change. India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of Earth Sciences are key partners of the Summit. Energy and industry transition, adaptation and resilience, nature based solutions, climate finance, circular economy, clean oceans and air pollution, are amongst the range of topics to be discussed during the Summit.

23-Jan-2020: World Sustainable Development Summit 2020

The 19th edition of The Energy and Resources Institute's (TERI) flagship event, the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), will be held from January 29-31, 2020, at the India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. WSDS is one of the largest international events dedicated to accelerating the pursuit of sustainable development, and this year, it will address the theme, ‘Towards 2030 Goals: Making the Decade Count'.

The summit will be inaugurated by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon'ble Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), at 9 A.M. on January 29, 2020, which will be followed by thematic tracks around the seven broad areas — water, energy, e-mobility, industry transition, air pollution, blue economy, and green finance.

Since its inception in 2001, WSDS has been a significant platform for showcasing India's plans, policies, priorities and actions by identifying the most topical issues, of environment and sustainability. The Summit aims to create action frameworks for achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Set in 2015, the SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all and intended to be achieved by 2030.

The winner of the Sustainable Development Leadership Award in recognition of significant contribution towards the cause of sustainable development will also be announced at the Summit. Past winners include Mr. Frank Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji, (2019); Dr José Manuel Durão Barroso, Former President of European Commission & Former Prime Minister of Portugal (2015); Mr. Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, President of Mexico (2012); Mr. Ban-ki-Moon, Secretary- General, United Nations (2009); among many other dignitaries from across the world.

A major focus at WSDS 2020 will be on air pollution. Stakeholders will discuss a range of mitigation strategies including developing first-of-its-kind emission inventory database for India. To demonstrate viable approaches for cities to address air pollution as envisaged by the National Clean Air Programme, TERI will announce a Clean Air Programme in some of the most polluted Indian cities.

The Corporate Conclave at the event will delve deeper into e-mobility, and the sessions will focus on exploring the options available towards cleaner future and enabling environment to encourage EV penetration. Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, will deliver the keynote address. Prominent industry representatives from the e-mobility ecosystem will put forth their views on creating an enabling environment for electric vehicles.

The event will also mark the release of a plethora of reports and policy briefs, including the report on Towards a Low Carbon Steel Sector in India that looks into the challenges of decarbonisation of steel. The report will put forth a comprehensive package of measures that could substantially reduce environmental impacts and put India on the path to being the first country to industrialise without relying on high carbon steel.

A thematic session on EU Excellence in India – The Green Business Opportunity will be inaugurated by H.E. Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to India. A group of leading CEOs from EU and India are expected to sign a green pledge to set climate and sustainability targets across business operations and value chains.

On January 30 and 31, 2020, the summit will include plenary sessions on the following themes:

• Beyond Connections: Sustaining Universal Energy Access in India
• Success at COP 26?
• Strengthening National Clean Air Programme for Breathable Air
• Financing Innovations for Accelerating Sustainability
• Achieving the Common Target: Opportunities & Challenges for Universal and Equitable Access to Safe Drinking Water
• Leadership Coalition on Energy and Industry Transition
• Transformative Actions to Revive Green Climate Finance
• Blue Economy for Agenda 2030: Aligning Economic Development for Sustainability of Oceans
• Fast-tracking the 2030 Agenda
• Future of Sustainability

Additionally, thematic tracks will focus around renewable energy, environment and public health, forestry, industry, energy efficiency, green entrepreneurship, circular economy, sustainable consumption, mitigation, and climate change.

The first edition of IFAT Delhi — North India's trade fair for water, sewage, solid waste, and recycling — will be held on the sidelines of the mega event. It is being organised by IFAT India, the leading environmental technologies trade fair, and Messe Muenchen India, and will be on display throughout the three-day event from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. daily.

Prof Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, Co-Director of the India Observatory & Chair, Grantham Research Institute, London School of Economics, will deliver the keynote address on Sustainability, Sustainable Growth and the Drive to a Low-carbon Economy at the Valedictory Session on January 31, 2020.

11-Feb-2019: World Sustainable Development Summit 2019

The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) is the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

WSDS 2019 will focus on the theme, 'Attaining the 2030 Agenda: Delivering on our Promise'. The “mega themes” to be addressed during the event are clean oceans, climate finance, energy transitions, mobility and sustainable agriculture.

WSDS 2019 strives to provide long-term solutions for the benefit of the global community by assembling the world's leaders and thinkers on a single platform with multiple formats. The summit programme offers a wide variety of participatory options.

• Plenary sessions - Eminent international speakers will address issues, such as reducing impacts on land, air and water, as well as utilising energy and resources in a more efficient manner.
• Thematic tracks - Discussions on niche issues related to sustainability including Carbon Markets and Pricing, Sustainable Transport, Resilient Cities.
• Greenovation 2019 - An exhibition for global players to showcase cutting-edge technologies and design solutions as part of the sustainability revolution.
• Sustainable Development Leadership Award - Awarded every year since 2005 to an eminent global leader, felicitating their contributions in the field of sustainable development.

15-Feb-2018: World Sustainable Development Summit 2018

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will inaugurate the 2018 edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS 2018) at Vigyan Bhawan in the capital tomorrow on Friday, 16thFebruary. WSDS is the flagship forum of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and seeks to bring together on a common platform, global leaders and thinkers in the fields of sustainable development, energy and environment sectors.

The theme of the Summit this year is ‘Partnerships for a Resilient Planet’, WSDS 2018 seeks to create action frameworks to resolve some of the most urgent challenges facing developing economies in the backdrop of climate change. The Summit will address a wide variety of issues, including combating land degradation, effective waste management mechanisms to make cities free of landfills free, combat air pollution effectively, measures to increase resource and energy efficiency, facilitate transition to clean energy and create financial mechanisms to enable effective climate change mitigation. The ‘Greenovation Exhibition’ at WSDS 2018 will showcase the latest technological advancements to meet Sustainable Development Goals.

Over 2000 delegates are expected to participate in the summit, including policy makers, researchers, think tanks, diplomats and corporates from around the world. Eminent international speakers will address a variety of issues including reducing impact on land, air and water, as well as look at ways and means to utilise energy and resources in a more efficient manner in the plenary sessions.   The thematic tracks at WSDS 2018 will include discussions on issues related to sustainability, including carbon markets and pricing, sustainable transport, resilient cities, solar energy and refrigerant technologies. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), is hosting the 2018 edition of its flagship forum, the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS 2018) in New Delhi on February 15, 16 & 17.