NEW DELHI (INDIA): As the world transitions from the commitments made at COP29 in Baku to the defining negotiations at COP30 in Belém, the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 has emerged as a crucial platform for global climate diplomacy. Hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in New Delhi, the summit brought together political leaders, climate scientists, business executives, and international organizations to align Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the Global Stocktake (GST) while ensuring climate justice through fair finance, technology transfer, and multilateral cooperation.
A Global Wake-Up Call: The Urgency for Transformative Climate Action
The world is at a tipping point, with climate disasters disproportionately affecting developing and vulnerable nations. The latest IPCC warnings indicate that the 1.5°C warming threshold is slipping out of reach, making sustainable development and poverty eradication increasingly difficult.
Professor Jim Skea, Chair of the IPCC, issued a stark warning about the inadequacy of current climate policies.
“When the IPCC published its Special Report on 1.5°C in 2018, we said it was achievable within the laws of physics and chemistry. Today, that hope is hanging by a thread. Without urgent action on mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance, sustainable development will remain out of reach.”
As the host of COP30, Brazil is positioning itself as a champion of inclusive and equitable climate action. H.E. Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of a just transition.
“The transition to a low-carbon economy must be both rapid and fair. No country or community should be left behind. Brazil is committed to ensuring that climate responsibility is shared equitably. As the host of COP30, we are determined to turn global promises into concrete action through multilateral cooperation and international climate governance.”
The Rising Voice of the Global South: Strengthening Regional Cooperation
South Asian nations, particularly India and Nepal, are playing an increasingly active role in shaping climate solutions. H.E. Aain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Nepal’s Minister of Forest and Environment, underscored the need for collaborative regional efforts.
“Nepal and other Himalayan nations are on the frontlines of climate change, facing glacial melt, erratic monsoons, and increasing natural disasters. India’s leadership in renewable energy, afforestation, and sustainable agriculture offers valuable lessons. We must integrate policies, share technology, and align adaptation measures to secure a climate-resilient future for South Asia. Climate action cannot be pursued in isolation—it must be a shared regional priority.”
For small island nations, the stakes are even higher. Dr. Muaviyath Mohamed, Minister of State for Environment, Maldives, issued a desperate call for greater international support.
“The Maldives is not fighting for climate action—it is fighting for survival. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and coral bleaching are pushing us toward a point of no return. Without strong commitments on climate finance and adaptation, small island developing states (SIDS) will continue to bear the brunt of global inaction. We need genuine partnerships between governments, the private sector, and NGOs to close financing gaps and accelerate transformational climate initiatives.”
H.E. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment, Norway, reinforced the necessity of stronger international cooperation, stating:
“The world is facing multiple crises, but that does not mean we abandon our climate commitments. If anything, these challenges reinforce the need for stronger global cooperation. We must push forward with climate action, environmental protection, and pollution control. The longer we delay, the higher the cost of inaction.”
The Role of Business and Finance: Mobilizing the Private Sector
The transition to net-zero economies cannot be achieved without strong financial commitments and corporate engagement. Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Group, stressed the importance of private sector participation.
“The upcoming NDC cycle offers a rare opportunity to accelerate emission reductions. But for this to happen, businesses must play a central role. Governments must send stronger market signals and create clear investment roadmaps to unlock large-scale green financing. Without active engagement from the private sector, we will not meet our climate goals.”
Germany has been at the forefront of climate finance and governance reform. H.E. Jennifer Lee Morgan, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action, Germany, emphasized the need for structural reforms in global climate governance.
“The Paris Agreement will not succeed through words alone. We must accelerate emission reductions, empower vulnerable nations, and recognize the cost of inaction. The third cycle of NDCs must be bolder, more precise, and aligned with the latest climate science. We cannot afford to let political convenience override the urgent need for climate action.”
Grassroots movements are also playing a crucial role in demanding greater accountability. Anne Jellema, Executive Director of 350.org, highlighted the need for greater inclusion in climate policy.
“If we truly believe in a just transition, then those most affected by climate change—the poorest and most marginalized communities—must have a seat at the table. Governments have yet to commit to ambitious enough NDCs to bring the fossil fuel era to an end. Time is running out, and people are demanding action, not excuses.”
India’s Leadership in Global Climate Diplomacy
India has positioned itself as a key player in global climate action, balancing economic growth with sustainability. With ₹75,000 crore ($9 billion) already committed under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) program, India is leading the way in green manufacturing, renewable energy expansion, and clean hydrogen innovation.
India’s bid to host COP33 signals its determination to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations. The WSDS 2025 plenary confirmed that India is at the forefront of climate diplomacy, advocating for fair financing, technology transfer, and stronger commitments from high-emitting nations.
H.E. Bhupender Yadav, India’s Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, reinforced India’s commitment to global climate leadership.
“India is committed to being a part of the solution. Our efforts in renewable energy, electric mobility, and circular economy are setting an example for other developing nations. We will continue to push for equitable climate policies that ensure developed countries meet their obligations while supporting emerging economies in their transition.”
The Road Ahead: From Rhetoric to Action
WSDS 2025 has made one thing abundantly clear—climate action must move beyond rhetoric. The focus now must be on:
• Delivering on COP29 commitments
• Strengthening pledges at COP30
• Shaping a transformative agenda for COP33
As Brazil, India, and other developing nations push for systemic reforms, the global community faces a critical test—will it act decisively, or will it allow the crisis to spiral further?
The coming years will define the future of our planet. The path from COP29 to COP30—and ultimately to COP33—will determine whether humanity rises to the challenge or succumbs to inaction. The solutions exist—the real question is whether the world has the collective will to act before it is too late.
– Dr. Shahid Siddiqui; Follow via X @shahidsiddiqui
