The unprecedented global crisis caused by the pandemic is a wake-up call that demonstrates nature’s ultimate power over lives and societies; the urgent need to respect and safeguard the environment. Global environmental emergencies such as climate change and biodiversity loss could cause social and economic damages far larger than those caused by the pandemic. There is an opportunity for the world to put solutions in place that will help tackle the current emergency effectively and strengthen the system to better respond to any future crises – whether pandemics or disasters.

In order to build a resilient future, a return to business-as-usual, environmentally destructive investment patterns and activities have to be avoided. Adopting solutions that are sustainable, financing the sustainability agenda, creating green jobs, facilitating the transition to a carbon neutral future, slowing biodiversity loss, increasing circularity and inclusivity are key priorities to accelerate the transformation. The continuity of human presence in this world depends on these solutions that require major efforts and a high expenditure towards integrity of the ecosystem for future generations.

The 16th Sustainability Summit will bring to fore captivating deliberations and intellectual insights that will inspire in creating a movement to deliver ambitious actions for a resilient future. It will emphasize on the interactions and interconnectedness between elements of physical, social, natural and human capital.

The Summit will build discussions on importance of green finance, science and technological innovations that will step up actions for a green and inclusive recovery.