The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) held WSDS 2026 in New Delhi from 25 to 27 February 2026. Notably, this was the 25th or Silver Jubilee edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit. Tanmay Kumar, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), delivered the valedictory address. The summit theme was “Transformations: Vision, Voices, and Values for Sustainable Development”. Hence, it focused on moving beyond small steps to deep change.
Theme and Focus of the Summit
TERI chose the Hindi word “Parivartan” alongside the English theme “Transformations”. According to TERI, the summit aimed at “moving beyond incremental change towards deep transformations”. Also, it brought together governments, multilateral bodies, industry, finance and civil society. Moreover, TERI positioned the summit as a complement to the BRICS Summit, which India is hosting.
Inaugural and Ministerial Sessions
TERI announced that Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, would deliver the inaugural address. Similarly, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav would speak at the inaugural session. Next, a ministerial session discussed “Multilateralism as a Force for Hope and Impact”. Also, panels covered climate finance, clean energy and nature.
Himalayan Focus and Valedictory Session
A flagship session explored a Himalayan Coalition for Sustainable Development. Alongside, MoEFCC organised HIM-CONNECT, an innovation mela from and on the Himalayas. Finally, the valedictory session on 27 February carried the title “Reflections, Resurgence, and Resolve for Our Common Future”. Tanmay Kumar addressed this closing session.
About WSDS and TERI
The summit began in 2001 as the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit. Since then, TERI has organised it every year. TERI calls it the only independently convened global summit on sustainable development based in the Global South. Also, the summit gives the Sustainable Development Leadership Award, started in 2005. Dr Vibha Dhawan serves as Director General of TERI. Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri said, “TERI is a special organization with a 51-year legacy of visionary leadership.”
WSDS 2026: Key Facts for Revision
- Edition: 25th (Silver Jubilee)
- Dates and venue: 25 to 27 February 2026, Taj Palace, New Delhi
- Organiser: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
- Theme: Parivartan | Transformations: Vision, Voices, and Values for Sustainable Development
- Valedictory address: Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, MoEFCC
- First held: 2001, as the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit
- Side event: HIM-CONNECT innovation mela on the Himalayas
Why WSDS 2026 Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, UPSC asks about global summits, their organisers and themes in GS-III. So, remember the edition, the theme and the valedictory speaker. Also, link the Himalayan sessions with climate risks in Uttarakhand and India’s BRICS chairship. For official updates, also visit TERI. Next, for a related story, read about the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.