The Summit, which was held from 2-4 February 2012 in New Delhi, India, was themed “Protecting the commons: 20 years post Rio.” Participants considered, among other things, the use of clean energy to improve the global commons, as well as the cost effectiveness of clean energy technologies and their impact on the global commons.
4 February 2012: The Delhi Sustainable Development Summit 2012 (DSDS 2012) has concluded with global leaders and policy makers pledging to protect the global commons and adopt sustainable methods.
DSDS 2012, which took place from 2-4 February 2012 in New Delhi, India, was organized by the The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and focused on the theme, “Protecting the commons: 20 years post Rio.” It included a variety of special events, such as the 9th World CEO Sustainability Summit, the Sustainable Development Leadership Award, the 4th Green Globe Foundation Award Ceremony, and the Asian launch of the Report of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability.
The first day of the three-day summit featured leadership panels titled “leading to preserve the global commons,” during which world leaders, including presidents and former presidents, identified the key needs for preserving the global commons, including: a carbon tax; social equity; pricing models for products; sustainable agriculture; strong political will; international cooperation to combat climate change; green growth; effective monitoring; and an interdisciplinary approach for a sustainable future. Panelists also underlined the role of non-governmental organizations and the media, stressing that in guiding the world towards sustainability, leaders need public support.
The Summit also included sessions on: biodiversity; a corporate dialogue on the global commons; water; sustainable development and consumption; sustainable management of global commons in South Asia; global commons and challenges in Africa; new frontiers in combating climate change; the information revolution and sustainable development; clean energy; and overcoming the global North-global South divide.
In the session on “Clean energy: improving the global commons,” the panel discussed, among other things, the cost effectiveness of clean energy technologies and their impact on the global commons. Panelists also highlighted the need to combine renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions to achieve energy access for all, adopt a broader approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and link national energy policies to efficient resource utilization. Panelists gave examples of clean energy initiatives in various countries, such as India’s building codes and energy labeling of appliances, and Japan’s projects and agreements with several countries.
In closing the Summit, TERI Director General, Rajendra K Pachauri, summarized the discussions, highlighting the need to eradicate poverty and quicken action on sustainable development. [Summit Bulletin, 3 February 2012] [Summit Bulletin, 4 February 2012] [Summit Bulletin 5 February 2012] [Summit Website]