TERI's Sustainable Development summit begins on Thursday

To fulfil its vision of “working towards global sustainable development, creating innovative solutions for a better tomorrow”, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on Monday announced that its flagship event, the 12{+t}{+h}Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS), will begin here this Thursday.

The annual event focuses on tackling key developmental issues of the times and has global support from over 60 countries, attracting participation from heads of government and ministers, and a host of other dignitaries comprising Nobel laureates, development practitioners, scientists, academics and corporate leaders.

TERI Director-General R.K. Pachauri said: “The event has evolved as the most important gathering of leaders from all over the world and from every profession — including government, business and industry, research and academia and civil society — that focuses on the challenge of attaining sustainable development worldwide.''

In its 12th edition, the event will focus on the theme, “Protecting the Global Commons: 20 Years Post Rio.”

Past winners

“To be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, DSDS-2012 will be the first important meeting of global leaders preceding the June 2012, Rio+20 Summit. The June summit marks 20 years of the 1992 Earth Summit, which will witness leaders of the world come together to deliberate and devise a plan for a sustainable future,” added Dr. Pachauri

DSDS-2012 will also honour the eighth recipient with the Sustainable Development Leadership Award, which constitutes TERI's tribute to a distinguished individual's exemplary efforts.

The award celebrates individuals who have contributed substantially in combating challenges threatening sustainable development and encouraging initiatives which lead the planet towards a sustainable future.

Some past winners of the Sustainable Development Leadership awards include Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Over 20 special events will be organised on the sidelines of the summit. Consistent with and central to the main theme of DSDS-2012, these platforms will provide an opportunity to distinguished speakers and area experts to discuss niche topics.