Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the Silver Jubilee edition of World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2026, organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and launched ‘Him-CONNECT’, a dedicated platform aimed at linking Himalayan researchers with start-ups, industry leaders, investors and policymakers.
Him-CONNECT, organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has been conceptualised to translate research supported under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) into scalable, real-world solutions. The platform seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and implementation, particularly in fragile mountain ecosystems.
The inaugural session was attended by several dignitaries, including Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana; Shri Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI; Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director-General, TERI; and Shri Siddhartha Sharma, CEO, Tata Trust.
In his address, the Minister highlighted his longstanding association with TERI and noted that WSDS has evolved over 25 years into a prominent forum from the Global South, bringing together governments, industry, academia, civil society and communities to translate sustainability science into actionable policy and partnerships.
Addressing global climate challenges, Shri Yadav pointed to the findings of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement, stating that the world remains off track in limiting global warming to 1.5°C. He underscored that emission reductions are insufficient, adaptation finance remains inadequate, and progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is uneven.
He emphasised that meaningful transformation must extend beyond incremental policy changes to structural shifts in energy systems, economic models, consumption patterns and global governance frameworks. Referring to the summit theme — “Transformations: Vision, Voices and Values for Sustainable Development” — the Minister described it as a strategic imperative at a defining moment for humanity.
Outlining India’s climate commitments, he reiterated the country’s targets of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, and attaining net-zero emissions by 2070. He also highlighted the National Green Hydrogen Mission and efforts to build climate-resilient infrastructure.
On the global front, Shri Yadav called for tripling renewable energy capacity, doubling energy efficiency, scaling up adaptation finance and reforming multilateral development banks to unlock climate finance. He stressed that climate ambition must move in tandem with climate finance.
Speaking on the role of the Global South, the Minister reiterated India’s position on Common but Differentiated Responsibilities, climate justice, equitable carbon space and inclusive carbon markets. He emphasised that the voices of small island states, least developed countries, indigenous communities and youth must be reflected in global climate frameworks.
Highlighting India’s G20 Presidency theme, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future’, he said sustainability frameworks must be fair, transparent and reflective of diverse development realities.
The Minister further outlined India’s reform agenda anchored on four pillars — Energy Transformation, Circular Economy Transition, Nature-Based Solutions and Digital Environmental Governance — as part of its commitment to building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. He noted that the next 25 years must focus on moving from pledges to performance, from targets to trajectories, and from ambition to accountability.
On the occasion, Shri Yadav inaugurated the Him-CONNECT exhibition and interacted with scientists and researchers from Himalayan states and Union Territories showcasing innovations aimed at strengthening climate resilience in mountain ecosystems.
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