The 23rd edition of the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)—the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS)—was held from 7-9 February 2024 in New Delhi. The Summit deliberations focussed on the umbrella theme: Leadership for Sustainable Development and Climate Justice.

We are living in a time of Polycrisis. Key challenges confronting the world include planetary crises, sliding back of key sustainable development goals and the ever-growing conflict situation threating world peace. It is more important than ever that environment stewardship is promoted at all levels and across all spheres. Today’s challenges for attaining sustainable development are complex and interconnected and will need everyone to work towards creating a more sustainable future.

It is with this background, TERI brought together leading representatives from international organizations, government, business & industries, research & academia, civil society, and youth to deliberate on championing initiatives on sustainable development and climate justice. The Summit deliberations will examine topics such as integrating sustainable development, nature-based solutions, adaptation and resilience, sustainable consumption and lifestyles, addressing the energy trilemma, and climate action. Special features at the Summit included Ministerial Addresses, Youth Plenary, Women Leadership Addresses, CEO Forum, Expo, Special Events and Thematic Tracks.

By playing a constructivist role, the Summit, and its knowledge initiative, Act4Earth seek to reinforce commitment at all levels to enhance ambition and action to create a more sustainable and equitable world for present and future generations.