Uttar Pradesh, November 15th, 2023 - In conjunction with India’s G-20 Presidency Year and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Galgotias University, alongside the authorised authorities of Environment and Social Development Association (ESDA India), Delhi, successfully hosted and concluded the 4th World Environment Summit 2023. The conference, awards ceremony, and exhibition took place from November 4th to 6th, with a hybrid mode on the first two days and online mode on the third, at Galgotias University, Yamuna Expressway, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The 4th World Environment Summit 2023 was organised in collaboration with prestigious institutions and organisations including CSIR-NEERI, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, MoEF&CC, Government of India, GRC India, MSMECCII, and in foreign partnership with Villa College Maldives, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, and Zoological Society of Bangladesh. The event brought together more than 1000 participants, including academicians, scientists, medical professionals, policymakers, research scholars, environmentalists, educators, journalists, social activists, civil society members, industry representatives, and students from four continents and 22 Indian states, making it one of the largest gatherings in India focused on environmental sustainability. The summit's 20 diverse subthemes contributed to its global significance with key themes being Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Environmental Economics and Environmental Pollution and Solution, among others.
Notable highlights of the 4th World Environment Summit 2023 include the recognition of over 70 distinguished individuals who have dedicated their lives to preserving the environment and making a significant impact through their actions and research. The prestigious ESDA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Padma Bhushan Chandi Prasad Bhatt.
Dignitaries gracing the summit included Special Guest of Honor Hon. Justice Mr. Sudhir Agarwal Ji, Judicial Present Member, National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi; Shri G Asok Kumar, Director General of National Mission Clean Ganga, Government of India; Dr. Markandey Rai, Senior Advisor, United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), Chancellor, IGTAMSU, Arunachal Pradesh, and President, Global Peace and Development Service Alliance (GPDSA); Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt, Padma Bhushan Environmentalist, and Founder of the Chipko Movement; and Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, Padma Bhushan Environmentalist and Founder of HESCO, Dehradun, among others.
The summit also celebrated Padma Shri awardees Shri Raja Lakshman Singh, a Water Conservationist, and Shri Uma Shankar Pandey, a Water Warrior and Convener.
Ms. Aradhana Galgotia, Director of Operations at Galgotias University, highlighted the institution's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) by stating, "Galgotias University is deeply committed to addressing the global challenges outlined by the UN SDGs. We believe in the power of education and research to drive positive change in society. The 4th World Environment Summit is a testament to our ongoing efforts to create a sustainable and environmentally conscious future."
Dr. K Mallikharjuna Babu, Vice Chancellor of Galgotias University, commended the collaborative effort and the significant impact of the summit, stating, "The 4th World Environment Summit demonstrates what can be achieved when institutions, organisations, and individuals come together with a common purpose. We are proud to have hosted this monumental event and look forward to continuing our efforts in advancing environmental causes."
Dr. Jitendra Nagar, Organizing Secretary of the Event and Chairman and General Secretary of Environment and Social Development Association, Delhi, expressed his gratitude and said, "We are delighted to witness the success of the 4th World Environment Summit, a platform where global leaders and change-makers gathered to discuss and address pressing environmental issues. It has been an enlightening experience and reinforces our commitment to environmental sustainability."
The 4th World Environment Summit 2023 was a resounding success, furthering the global conversation on environmental sustainability and serving as a testament to the collective commitment of Galgotias University and ESDA India, Delhi, towards a greener and more sustainable future.