By IANS,
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will Thursday inaugurate the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) that will see global leaders and environmentalists coming together to discuss resource-efficient growth and development.
The 13th edition of the DSDS focuses on the theme, ‘The Global Challenge of Resource-Efficient Growth and Development’. It provides an efficient platform for thought leaders and policymakers to discuss effective policy mechanisms to reduce energy and resource footprint, said a statement from the organisers The Energy Research Institute (TERI).
The summit has been held annually in New Delhi since 2001.
It will see participation of three heads of state – Guyana President Donald Ramotar, Seychelles President James Alix Michel, Republic of Kiribati President Anote Tong – as well as dignitaries, Nobel laureates and ministers from several countries.
“Over the years with the involvement of world leaders from every section of human endeavour, sustainable development has moved from a concept to policies and programmes in different parts of the globe,” said R.K. Pachauri, TERI director general.
The summit seeks not only to build a global consensus to protect natural resources but also to explore innovative solutions to boost efficient practices and minimise unsustainable consumption patterns.
Pachauri said the demand for resources is growing faster than the addition to their reserves.
“Most importantly, using resources efficiently also makes it possible for the poor to gain access to them, which otherwise they may not be able to afford,” he said.
Experts will engage in discussions on myriad themes, such as adapting to the impacts of climate change, mitigating emissions of greenhouse gases, employment and growth potential of a green economy, choices before the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) among others.
As part of the summit, TERI Wednesday hosted a World CEO Sustainability Summit (WCSS) in an attempt to mainstream environmental and social considerations in the business strategy of Indian companies.