12th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit: Protecting the Global Commons: 20 Years Post Rio
2-4 February, 2012
We were invited by TERI (The Energy and Resource Institute) of India, to participate on the Delhi Sustainable Development Submit (DSDS-2012) that took place at New Delhi from 2-4 February, 2012.
The DSDS (Delhi Sustainable Development Summit) has been the flagship conference of TERI since 2001. It is a global forum that seeks to provide long-term solutions to protect this planet. Held annually, DSDS is the only event of its kind in the world with participation by global stakeholders – multilateral and bilateral development organizations, governments, the corporate sector, non-governmental organizations, and academic and research institutions.
DSDS 2012 is organized annually by TERI, and seeks to provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge on all aspects of sustainable development.
The DSDS-2012 focuses on the theme, ‘Protecting the Global Commons: 20 Years Post Rio’. DSDS 2012 is the first important meeting of global leaders preceding the June 2012, Rio+20 Summit.
Prominent figures present at the TERI DSDS 2012 inaugural ceremony were
- H.E. Dr Manmohan Singh, Honorable Prime Minister, Government of India,
- H.E. Ms. Tarja Halonen, President, Finland,
- H.E. Mr. James Alix Michel, President, Seychelles,
- H.E. Mr. Anote Tong, President of the Republic of Kiribati,
- H.E. Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President, Guyana, and
- H.E. Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of Norway and Member of the UN SecretaryGeneral’s Sustainability Panel, Norway,
In his welcoming speech, Dr R K Pachauri, Director General of TERI highlighted the environmental and water sectors and referring to the “tragedy of the commons”. He reflected on the progression of international talks, from Stockholm, to Rio, and finally looking ahead to the upcoming Rio+20. He finally stressed that energy security would be the biggest challenge in times to come.
The DSDS was officially inaugurated by Honorable Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh. In his inaugural address, Dr. Singh reminded the audience about the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in June 2012 that marks the twentieth anniversary of the landmark 1992 Earth Summit. He reiterated poverty eradication as the overarching objective of India’s approach towards sustainable development and commended India for playing an important role in the climate change negotiations at COP17, where the agreement on the second commitment period to the Kyoto Protocol was reached. Dr Singh stressed that India has believed in moving forward with focus on equity, but differentiated responsibilities as central dimensions.
H.E. Ms Tarja Halonen, President of Finland, was awarded the TERI’s Sustainable Development Leadership Award for 2012 for her leadership in confronting climate change and leading her government to take the issue as a primary focus. The Sustainable Development Leadership Award is TERI’s tribute to a distinguished individual’s exemplary efforts. The Award celebrates individuals who have contributed substantially in combating challenges threatening sustainable development and encouraging initiatives which lead the planet towards a sustainable future.
During the three day summit, there were different panel discussions on the following themes:
- Leadership Panels Leading to Preserve the Global Commons
- Asia Development Bank Asia 2050 Panel discussion on possible scenarios for 2050 for Asia and to draw the attention of policymakers
- Special Session on Biodiversity
- Corporate Dialogue on Global Commons
- Ministerial Session I Sustainable Management of Global Commons in South Asia
- Global Commons and Challenges in Africa – speakers include Dr. Tewolde Birhan G/Egzabiher, Director General of Environmental Protection Authority of Ethiopia
- Water – Our Vital Commons
- Sustainable Development and Consumption
- New Frontiers in Combating Climate ChangeThis Century of Knowledge
- Clean Energy: Improving the Global Commons
- Overcoming the Divide: Global North vs Global South
In addition to the above sessions, the Report of UN Secretary General’s HighLevel Panel on Global Sustainability was launched during at the Summit. This session was chaired by HE Ms Tarja Halonen, President of Finland. The session marked the regional launch of the report next to Addis Ababa, which elicited an invigorating discussion on the key recommendations of the report. It was pointed out that the road to sustainable development had changed track, and the panelists reflected on the lack of success in achieving the objectives. The two main reasons cited were discrimination against women and lack of access to resources and energy. Another key message that was highlighted was that the global community cannot carry on with the “business as usual” scenario, and a change is required in the growth narrative.
There was also Green Globe Foundation Awards Ceremony The 4th Green Globe Awards ceremony felicitated the efforts of those unsung heroes who have contributed towards sustainable development in India in several categories including Manufacturing, Business, and NGO sector, Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development by a State Government, Product, Innovation, and Design, Media and Contribution by an Educational Institution category.
A special award was presented to the Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL cricket team for being carbon neutral and The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr Bjorn Stigson, former President of The World Business Council of Sustainable Development. Last but not least, the award for Outstanding Contribution by a Celebrity was presented to Mr Abhishek Bachchan for his initiative to save paper, and reducing energy consumption during film shootings and his contribution towards Lighting a Billion Lives (LaBL).
On 5th February, the team was invited to visit one of the most inspiring initiatives by TERI, Lighting a Billion Lives (LaBL), at a village called Notki. In addition, Institute of Rural Research and Development is collaborating with TERI to improve the lives of rural India. The village is found some 100KM south of Delhi in Haryana, India. The theme of the visit includes:
- LaBL solar charging station, and households using solar lanterns,
- Households and health station using TERI improved cook stoves,
- Water harvesting designs with house construction,
- Other interventions like school, delivery hut, and community orchard,
- Interaction with the village head and community and discussion on the movement that brought about the change.
