The 6th Edition of the Global Sustainability Alliance successfully hosted the SDG Summit 2024 in New Delhi, showcasing the collective commitment of over 1500+ attendees and 150+ speakers from more than 20 countries to drive actionable climate solutions. With the theme “Driven with Purpose and Profit – Climate Action & Creating Impact,” the summit focused on fostering collaboration and innovative strategies to address the pressing challenges of climate change.
The event featured a vibrant plenary stage, and parallel tracks dedicated to Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Supply Chains, and Sustainable Urban Infrastructure. Engaging discussions and roundtables brought together diverse perspectives, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving sustainability goals.
In a conversation with Heena Gambhir, News Editor at Times Now, Chief Guest Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India, emphasized the critical reality of climate change. Reflecting on India’s progress, he highlighted that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, eight Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) have been established, showcasing India’s strong commitment to the Paris Agreement. Notably, India stands as the only G20 nation to have achieved its 2030 goals by 2021.
Guest of Honor Dr. Jitendra Singh, Honourable Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India, along with distinguished leaders like Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi and Erik Solheim, shared insights on the vital role of innovative solutions and strategic partnerships in climate mitigation efforts. Their contributions reinforced the summit’s commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development.
The Climate Action Awards celebrated trailblazing initiatives embodying the spirit of sustainability and innovation, showcasing achievements that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the fight against climate change. These awards underscored the power of creative solutions in driving positive environmental impact, reinforcing the summit’s theme of blending purpose with profit to drive meaningful action.
A standout masterclass provided attendees with insights into how businesses like Patagonia have woven sustainability into their core ethos. The session highlighted Patagonia’s journey—from a niche brand to a global leader in sustainable practices—illustrating how a commitment to reducing environmental impact can transform both business operations and consumer engagement.
ET Edge’s flagship initiative – the #PlanetBuddy campaign aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness introduced a unique potpourri-making activity, where participants were invited to craft their own take-home potpourri made by using discarded flowers from Varanasi, a city where ~ 3.5 to 4 tonnes of floral waste are left behind daily. This initiative not only showcased the beauty of repurposing waste but also highlighted the importance of breathing new life into materials that would otherwise contribute to pollution.
The summit’s agenda spanned over ten focused tracks, covering critical areas such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and urban infrastructure, each designed to inspire actionable insights and foster deeper understanding of sustainable development. Alongside these sessions, the dedicated Startup Zone became a hub of dynamic exchange, connecting emerging entrepreneurs with seasoned industry leaders. This space served as an incubator for fresh ideas, emphasizing the vital role of startups in accelerating innovation for climate action.
BCG, the Presenting Partner, and Bootes Impex Tech Ltd, the Strategic Partner, along with Co-Powered partners Jindal Steel & Power and Sunsure Energy, were instrumental in shaping the dialogue throughout the summit. Their commitment to sustainability was evident as they steered discussions on climate leadership, green technology, and the evolving role of businesses in achieving a net-zero future.
The summit’s agenda was further enriched by the contributions of TATA Intellion, Yara India, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), GMR Group, Ascendas-Firstspace, DOIT&C + I Start Rajasthan, Union Bank, Zecomy, Bayer, Insolare Energy, ERM India, Gail, Hero Future Energies, Beumer India and TCI Express underscoring the importance of innovation, collaboration and leadership to reinforce the collective effort required to achieve long-term climate goals.
As the GSA continues its mission to catalyze transformative climate solutions, the SDG Summit 2024 served as a powerful testament to the potential of partnerships in forging a sustainable future. With the collective efforts of stakeholders and the shared vision of purpose and profit, the path toward impactful climate action is clearer than ever.
