As the 24th edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) draws to a close, it is a moment of reflection, celebration, and anticipation. For nearly a quarter of a century, WSDS has been a crucible for transformative ideas, a platform where global and local voices converge, and a beacon for advancing sustainable development. As we conclude this year’s summit, we also turn our gaze to the milestone ahead: WSDS’s silver jubilee.
As we stand on the threshold of the 25th edition, we must also confront an uncomfortable truth: the gap between aspirations and actions remains wide. The world is grappling with unprecedented challenges—a rapidly warming planet, widening inequalities, and an erosion of biodiversity. These challenges demand not just incremental progress but transformative change.
The silver jubilee edition of WSDS will be both a celebration and a call to action. It will honour the Summit’s legacy while seeking to amplify its impact. To achieve this, we envision WSDS@25 as a platform that does more than convene; it must catalyse.
As we look to WSDS@25, let us carry forward the lessons of the past 24 editions. Multistakeholder dialogues are not an end in themselves; they are a means to drive impact. By fostering trust, aligning objectives, and mobilizing resources, these dialogues can unlock solutions that no single actor can achieve alone.