25/06/2026
Asia Pacific SDG & Sustainability Summit 2026 Concludes with Global Participation and a Strong Call for Collective Action towards a Sustainable Future
The three-day Asia Pacific SDG & Sustainability Summit 2026 was successfully organized from 20–22 June 2026 by the Environment & Social Development Association (ESDA India) in collaboration with Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi (India), Villa College (Maldives), Tribhuvan University (Nepal), and the Zoological Society of Bangladesh. The Summit organized one day of physical deliberations at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, and two days of virtual technical sessions. The event brought together eminent academicians, scientists, policymakers, environmentalists, industry leaders, social activists, researchers, professionals, and students from India and several other countries.
The Summit commenced with a grand inaugural ceremony graced by Padma Shri Uma Shankar Pandey, renowned Water Warrior and Social Activist from Bundelkhand, as Chief Guest; Prof. Hamida Khanum, President of the Zoological Society of Bangladesh, who presided over the function; Prof. Raj Kumar, Director, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi; Shri Gyanendra Rawat, noted Environmentalist and Senior Journalist; Prof. Sada Nand Prasad, Principal, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi; and Dr. Jitendra K. Nagar, Organizing Secretary of the Summit and General Secretary of ESDA India. On the occasion, the Souvenir and Abstract Book were formally released. The dignitaries emphasized the urgent need for collective action, environmental stewardship, scientific innovation, and community participation to achieve sustainable development goals and safeguard the future of coming generations.
Three prestigious international awards were also conferred. The Asia Pacific Water Conservation Leadership Award 2026 was presented to Padma Shri Uma Shankar Pandey for his outstanding contribution to community-based water conservation. The Asia Pacific To***co Cessation Leadership Award 2026 was conferred upon Prof. Raj Kumar in recognition of his extraordinary efforts towards to***co control and helping lakhs of people lead a to***co-free life. The Asia Pacific Clean Air Technology Excellence Award 2026 was presented to Automoto Genset Solutions LLP for its innovative contributions to clean-air technologies and sustainable environmental solutions.
The Summit featured a series of keynote lectures, invited talks, expert discussions, and oral paper presentation sessions. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Ram Boojh, Former UNESCO Environment Programme Chief and CEO, Mobius Foundation; Prof. Hitesh A. Solanki, Gujarat University; Prof. R. K. Thakur, JNU Jaipur; Dr. Javaid Iqbal Khan, University of Kashmir; Mr. V. P. Yadav, former Director, Central Pollution Control Board; Prof. Hamida Khanum, University of Dhaka; Mr. Robin Sarkar, Shiv Nadar University; Dr. Prabodh Chander Sharma, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University; and several other eminent experts from India and abroad. A major highlight of the Summit was the presentation of more than 170 research papers by faculty members, scientists, research scholars, professionals, and students in both physical and virtual modes. The papers covered diverse themes related to sustainability, environmental protection, climate change, public health, natural resource management, and sustainable development.
The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Padma Shri Laxman Singh, internationally acclaimed water conservationist and founder of the Lapodiya Water Conservation Model, as Chief Guest, while Dr. Lokesh Singh, Assistant Professor, Villa College, Maldives, and Vice President (Foreign Affairs), ESDA India, attended as Guest of Honor. During the concluding session, winners of the Best Oral Presentation Awards were announced and honored.
Speaking on the successful conclusion of the Summit, Dr. Jitendra K. Nagar, Organizing Secretary of the Summit and Professor Environmental Studies, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, stated that the Asia Pacific SDG & Sustainability Summit 2026 was organized with the vision of bringing together on a common platform to address the growing environmental and sustainability challenges facing the world today. He emphasized that climate change, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, land degradation, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources have emerged as serious threats to humanity, making such international forums more relevant than ever before. He cautioned that if urgent and collective action is not taken, the environmental conditions inherited by future generations may be far more fragile and unsafe than those experienced today.
Dr. Nagar further stated that since its establishment in 2004, ESDA India has been continuously working towards environmental protection and sustainable development through research, awareness campaigns, community initiatives, and international collaborations. He noted that the organization’s annual flagship event, the World Environment Summit, along with the Asia Pacific SDG & Sustainability Summit, serves as an important platform for promoting dialogue, innovation, and global cooperation on sustainability issues. He appealed to governments, academic institutions, industries, civil society organizations, and citizens across the world to take environmental degradation seriously and work collectively to protect natural resources, strengthen climate resilience, and ensure a sustainable, healthy, and secure future for generations to come.
The Organizing Committee also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Prof. Deepali Jain (Convener), Dr. Rajbala Gauttam and Dr. Gunjan Goswami (Co-Organizing Secretaries), Dr. Kokila Meena, Prof. Sanjeet Singh Thakur, Dr. Lokesh Singh (Maldives), Ms. Riya Yadav, Dr. Kavita Khatana Bhati, Prof. Monica Ahlawat, Dr. Tulika Sandhya, Dr. Diljeet Kaur, along with all ESDA India members, faculty members, staff, and student volunteers of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, for their tireless efforts and dedication in making the Summit a grand success. Their collective commitment, teamwork, and meticulous planning ensured the smooth ex*****on of this prestigious international event and strengthened its role as a global platform for sustainability dialogue, research collaboration, and environmental action.
