VP Jagdeo conferred with prestigious Sustainable Development Leadership Award

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

New Delhi, 05 March 2025: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) proudly conferred the Sustainable Development Leadership Award (SDLA) 2025 on His Excellency Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Hon’ble Vice President of Guyana, and Her Excellency Ms Marina Silva, Hon’ble Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil, at the inaugural session of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025.

The prestigious Award, instituted by TERI in 2005, recognizes global visionaries whose leadership has had a transformative impact on sustainability and climate action. This year’s awardees exemplify bold and pioneering leadership, forging pathways for a sustainable future. SDLA is more than just an accolade—it is a global testament to leadership that defies convention and drives transformation. It honours those who step forward with vision, courage, and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. This award is not for those who wait for change; it is for those who make it happen.

H.E. Brigadier (Retd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister, Guyana accepted the award on behalf of H.E. Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Hon’ble Vice President of Guyana. Accepting the award, Mr Phillips stated, “Guyana stands as a testament to leadership, partnerships, and convergence in the pursuit of sustainability. In Guyana, growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.”

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has been a driving force in global climate policy and sustainable development. As one of the world’s youngest heads of government, he spearheaded Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) in 2009, positioning the country as a global leader in forest conservation and climate finance. Under his leadership, Guyana established one of the world’s first national-scale payment systems for ecosystem services, setting a benchmark for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) initiatives. His role as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Group on Climate Finance and as Chair of the Board of Governors of the IMF and World Bank Group (2005-2006) highlights his impact on global financial frameworks for climate action. His efforts in championing sustainable development, while advancing the aspirations of his country and safeguarding its natural wealth for future generations, exemplify the principles of the SDLA.

Sharing her thoughts on being honoured with the award, Ms Silva stated, “As we move towards COP30, we must accelerate the implementation of the commitments made in Dubai and Baku. We must advance on our transitions from fossil fuels while stepping up on climate finance.”

Ms Marina Silva is internationally renowned for her relentless efforts in combating deforestation and advancing climate crisis. As Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, she has led groundbreaking initiatives to curb illegal deforestation in the Amazon, achieving an 84% reduction between 2004 and 2012. Her advocacy for climate education and alignment of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with global temperature targets ahead of COP30 in 2025 underscores her commitment to lasting environmental change. Over the years, she has received multiple accolades, including the Goldman Prize (1996), UN’s Champions of the Earth Award (2007), and the Duke of Edinburgh Medal (2008).

TERI leadership Mr Nitin Desai, Chairman TERI and Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, lauded the awardees for their exemplary leadership.

The WSDS 2025 inaugural session emphasized the urgency of global cooperation in tackling climate change, with both awardees serving as beacons of hope and action. The recognition of these distinguished leaders aims to catalyze greater momentum in climate governance, reinforcing the summit’s commitment to sustainable development. [Press Release]

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