From Dialogue to Transformation: TERI Sets the Stage for the 25th Edition of WSDS 2026
TERI hosted Pre-Event Press Conference spotlighting policy, diplomacy, and action pathways for a low-carbon future
New Delhi | 3 February 2026: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) convened a Pre-Event Press Conference for the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2026 (Silver Jubilee Edition) on 3 February 2026 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The interaction set the context for WSDS 2026, scheduled to be held from 25–27 February 2026, and outlined India’s priorities in advancing climate action, sustainable development, and global cooperation.
Over the past 25 years, WSDS has emerged as a globally recognized platform shaping sustainability discourse and policy pathways. Through the Summit, TERI has convened governments, multilateral institutions, industry, finance, and civil society to advance solutions on climate action, energy transitions, and sustainable development. WSDS has consistently amplified Global South perspectives and strengthened South–South cooperation, translating dialogue into action-oriented partnerships and outcomes.
At WSDS 2026, TERI would celebrate a quarter century of commitment, collaboration and climate action. With India hosting BRICS Summit which prioritizes climate action, green finance, energy transition and sustainable development aligned with national and global priorities, WSDS would complement BRICS priorities.
Welcoming the media, Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, outlined the Summit’s vision and its relevance amid evolving climate, development, and geopolitical challenges. Dr Dhawan said, “The theme ‘परिवर्तन | Transformations: Vision, Voices, and Values’ reflects WSDS’s 25-year journey from vision-setting and inclusive dialogue to accelerated implementation and measurable outcomes on the ground. At its core, the umbrella theme aims to integrate forward-thinking strategies (Vision), participatory and collaborative engagement (Voices), and deep-rooted principles (Values).
Delivering a special address, Ms Leena Nandan, Distinguished Fellow, TERI & Former Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, reflected on the importance of policy coherence and institutional strengthening for effective environmental governance. Ms Nandan highlighted, “The path of sustainability that TERI forged 25 years ago, has resonated across the globe. The Silver jubilee edition of the WSDS will bring to the table futuristic concepts, fascinating stories and above all, the promise of hope for a better tomorrow. WSDS will re-emphasize that the power of ideas when combined with the passion of motivated people, can and will make a difference.”
Presenting an overview of the Summit, Dr Shailly Kedia, Curator, WSDS & Director, TERI, highlighted the key themes, focus areas, and expected outcomes of the Silver Jubilee edition. She highlighted the significance of WSDS as a science-policy platform for evidence-based dialogues and multistakeholder engagements.
Sharing a global and diplomatic perspective, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Distinguished Fellow, TERI & Former Diplomat, Government of India, underlined the role of international cooperation in driving climate ambition and sustainable development. Ambassador Puri emphasized the urgent need for collective action from the Global South to tackle the issues plaguing our planet. Discussing the unique role of the institution, he noted: “TERI is a special organization with a 51-year legacy of visionary leadership—one that anticipates the future for both India and the Global South. WSDS is a platform which highlights the significance of local action.” While the challenges are global, he reiterated the significance of local actions and collaborative strength of WSDS. He also highlighted that TERI is the only institution which has also brought significant elements of science in the aspect of sustainability. “The platform will strengthen the narrative of Global South in multilateral negotiations. While major sustainability conferences are often held in the comfort of cities like New York, Vienna, or Geneva, we must ask: Where do the actual problems lie? A platform like WSDS does exactly that it brings the conversation to where it matters most,” he added.
Concluding the formal programme, Mr Sanjay Seth, Chairperson, Silver Jubilee Committee, WSDS & Senior Director, TERI, reflected on WSDS’s legacy. He highlighted the significance of strengthening the voices of Global South in addressing the issues of climate change and pillars of transformation which lies in the vision, voices, and values covered in the umbrella theme of the Summit. He reflected on the past 25 years and invited the media participants to become a part of the Summit in strengthening the narrative of the Global South on sustainable transitions.
Leaders from industry, technology, finance, and civil society will share actionable insights drawn from real-world implementation. Their collective presence reinforces WSDS 2026 as a platform where policy, science, and practice converge.
The press conference concluded with an interactive Q&A session with media representatives, followed by informal interactions, offering journalists deeper insights into WSDS 2026 priorities, themes, and participation. WSDS 2026 aims to catalyse actionable partnerships and policy-relevant outcomes, reinforcing TERI’s commitment to driving sustainable development discourse in India and globally.