The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) held a pre-event press conference for the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS). The summit is scheduled to take place from February 25 to 27, 2026. 

The interaction outlined the context and focus areas of WSDS 2026, including climate action, sustainable development, energy transition, and international cooperation. The summit will mark 25 years since the inception of WSDS. 

TERI stated that over the years, the platform has brought together representatives from governments, multilateral institutions, industry, finance, and civil society to discuss sustainability-related policy and implementation challenges, with a focus on perspectives from developing countries. 

WSDS 2026 will coincide with India’s hosting of the BRICS Summit, where climate action, green finance, energy transition, and sustainable development are among the priority areas. Organisers said the themes of WSDS 2026 align with these broader policy discussions. 

Speaking at the press conference, Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, said, “The theme ‘परिवर्तन | Transformations: Vision, Voices, and Values’ reflect 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).” 

Leena Nandan, Distinguished Fellow, TERI and former Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, spoke on the need for policy coherence and institutional strengthening in environmental governance. She said, “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.” 

Shailly Kedia, Curator, WSDS and Director, TERI, outlined the summit’s thematic focus, structure, and expected outcomes. She said the summit functions as a science-policy platform for evidence-based discussions and multistakeholder engagement. 

Manjeev Singh Puri, Distinguished Fellow, TERI and former diplomat, Government of India, highlighted the role of international cooperation in advancing climate action. He said, “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.” 

He added that while sustainability challenges are global, implementation is largely local. “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 mean that it brings the conversation to where it matters most,” he said. 

Sanjay Seth, Chairperson, Silver Jubilee Committee, WSDS and Senior Director, TERI, referred to the role of WSDS in highlighting concerns of the Global South in climate and sustainability discussions. He noted that the summit’s thematic framework is structured around vision, voices, and values.

Organisers said WSDS 2026 is expected to bring together participants from policy, industry, finance, technology, and civil society to discuss implementation-focused approaches to sustainability challenges.