India Launches 25th WSDS in New Delhi; Minister Urges Deep Change in Clean Energy and Sustainability Action

India Launches 25th WSDS in New Delhi; Minister Urges Deep Change in Clean Energy and Sustainability Action

February 26, 2026

New Delhi, India – Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav officially opened the 25th World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2026, marking the Silver Jubilee edition of the annual global forum organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). In his address, the minister stressed the need for structural transformation in renewable energy frameworks, economic models and global sustainability strategies, calling for bold and systemic action beyond incremental policy shifts.

The summit, hosted at the Taj Palace in New Delhi, brings together government leaders, industry representatives, researchers and civil society to focus on climate action and core sustainability goals under the theme “Transformations: Vision, Voices and Values for Sustainable Development.” Yadav highlighted that while efforts have been made, global progress remains insufficient to limit warming to 1.5 °C, noting gaps in emissions reduction, adaptation finance and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the opening session, the minister reaffirmed India’s climate commitments, including reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, cutting emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent from 2005 levels, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He also highlighted key national priorities such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission and building climate-resilient infrastructure.

A major feature of the summit’s launch was the inauguration of ‘Him-CONNECT’, a platform designed to connect researchers from the Indian Himalayan Region with start-ups, investors and policymakers to accelerate real-world application of innovations developed under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and implementation, particularly in fragile mountain ecosystems, by promoting technologies such as landslide prediction systems, sustainable road construction methods, renewable energy solutions and climate adaptation tools.

Distinguished attendees included Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana; Shri Nitin Desai, Chairman of TERI; Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director-General of TERI; and Shri Siddhartha Sharma, CEO of Tata Trusts, reflecting broad international and domestic engagement in the summit’s agenda. 

Yadav called for a dramatic acceleration in renewable energy capacity, energy efficiency, and climate finance, including reform of multilateral development banks to unlock greater investment. He emphasized that climate ambition must be matched by financial support, and that the voices of small island states, least-developed countries, indigenous peoples and youth should have greater influence in shaping global frameworks.

The summit will continue through 27 February, with a series of high-level discussions, panel sessions and exhibitions aimed at mobilizing partnerships, driving policy action and moving from commitments toward measurable outcomes in climate resilience and sustainable development.