Honorable President of India felicitates the Chief Minister of Sikkim at the inauguration of the World Sustainable Development Summit 2016

October 6, 2016: Hon’ble President of India Mr Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2016, the flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) –  themed as ‘Beyond 2015: People, Planet & Progress.’ It is among the first international platforms to discuss the new development agenda post the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the signing of the Paris Agreement at the 21st Annual Conference of Parties (COP21).

Congratulating TERI on organising this seminal summit on sustainability, Mr Pranab Mukherjee said, “I congratulate TERI for initiating a conclave of great relevance. TERI has been consistent in its endeavour to find solutions and create new knowledge  on issues relating to environment, climate, resources, and sustainable development. Through the Sustainable Development Leadership Award , TERI seeks to provide a unique platform for experts, administrators and policymakers from around the globe who are determined to protect our planet and promote international exchange of knowledge and ideas. He added, “Global action and partnerships are required to achieve sustainable solutions for social progress, inclusive growth and protection of the Earth’s ecosystem. This collaboration of government, private sector, academia and civil society  will be a vital source of opportunity, knowledge, innovation, expertise and solution to tackle the twin challenges of development and environment.”

In his address, Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director-General, TERI, said “We have assembled global leaders and thinkers on a single platform to accelerate action towards climate change. The WSDS brings together policy, technology and community practitioners, helping to share experiences, and building new partnerships”.

Mr. Ashok Chawla, Chairman, TERI said, “I am grateful to our distinguished President to provide encouragement and inspiration in the backdrop of the subsequent adoption of SDGs and signing of the Paris Agreement that has led to this partnership across the globe. Never before has the nexus between people, planet and progress been so strong – the time to change and act is now. We are in the midst of historic changes, with efforts to manage rapid urbanisation, provide electricity to a large number of people and ensure nutrition to all. We believe WSDS provides a platform which brings together various stakeholders to collaborate in order to balance the realities of ecosystem preservation with aspirations for holistic economic development. With this distinguished galaxy of thought leaders at WSDS, the Summit aims to promote advocacy for implementation.” 

On this occasion, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Pawan Kumar Chamling, was felicitated with the prestigious Sustainable Development Leadership Award 2016, for his contributions towards making Sikkim the first fully organic state in India.

Under the leadership of Mr Chamling, the Sikkim government successfully implemented the Sikkim Organic Mission Project. The mission helped make organic seeds and manures widely available, helped farmers market their agricultural produce, and provided the farmers with advanced training in organic farming.

Sharing his view on receiving the award, Mr Chamling said “I am deeply touched and humbled by the Sustainable Development Leadership Award bestowed on me. This award is a validation of our efforts towards protection and conversation of nature. It is a recognition of our vision of sustainable development, which we have pursued with our programmes and policies since the last 22 years, making it a priority for our government to ensure that development and environmental protection go hand in hand. Today, Sikkim is a frontrunner and a torchbearer in many spheres. I thank the people of Sikkim for their continued support and dedicate this award to them.”

Dr. José Manuel Durão Barroso, Former President of the European Commission & Former Prime Minister of Portugal; HE Mr. James Alix Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles; HE Mr. Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, President of Mexico, have been some of the recipients of this prestigious award over the years.

The World Sustainable Development Summit has built on the 15-years legacy of the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit, which was an epitome of Track 2 diplomacy, providing an enabling atmosphere that encourages people-to-people dialogue; fosters understanding, cooperation and collective action to achieve the goals of sustainable development.

The Summit is also an attempt to initiate discussions on methodologies to be adopted in order to envisage a plan to realise the Goals beyond 2015. The idea is to create a common platform for countries to identify opportunities for consensus and collaboration to balance the realities of ecosystem preservation with aspirations for a holistic economic development.