This year, the theme of WSDS will be 'Beyond 2015: People, Planet and Progress' and assumes significance in the backdrop of adoption of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, organisers the The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) said.
The summit's exhibition 'Greenovation 2016' will offer a platform to global players for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and design solutions in areas of renewable energy, waste management, sustainable buildings and transport amongst others.
Formerly known as Delhi Sustainable Development Summit, WSDS will bring together policymakers, corporate representatives, researchers and members of civil society, from across continents to promote collective action towards sustainable development.
"We are trying to foster an environment in which governments and stakeholders across sectors are able to engage in informed discussions and identify their individual and collective roles in achieving sustainable development in line with global climate change mitigation efforts," said TERI DG Ajay Mathur.
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Former prime minister Manmohan Singh had attended the summit in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 while Atal Bihari Vajpayee had attended the Summit in 2001 and 2002, TERI said in a statement.
A total of 46 Heads of State and government, 13 Nobel Laureates, ministers from over 60 countries, close to 1600 speakers, and delegates from across continents have participated through the 15 editions of DSDS, it claimed.
The Summit will also include 'Business Day 2016' during which industry captains will conceptualise ideas for conducting environment-friendly business.
An eminent global leader will also be awarded the Sustainable Development Leadership Award. The plenary sessions will focus on energy transitions, Nationally Determined Contributions, urbanisation vis-a-vis water management, climate finance and climate-energy-food nexus.