The 20th Global Sustainability Summit (GSS), organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry-ITC Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Sustainable Development(CII-ITC-CESD), was held from September 02 to 03, 2025 in New Delhi, Delhi.
- Theme: ‘Reimagining Sustainability: Resilient. Regenerative. Responsible’.
Exam Hints:
- Event: Global Sustainability Summit (GSS)
- Edition: 20
- Where: New Delhi
- Organised by: CII-ITC CoE
- Key Policy Initiatives Highlighted: Environment Audit Rules 2025; Revised Green Credit Programme; and Amendment to Forest Rules 2023
About 20thGlobal Sustainability Summit (GSS):
Key Dignitaries: Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC); Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I); Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General (DG) of CII; among others were also present at the event.
Key Participants: The two day summit saw the participation of over 600 industry & international delegates and civil societies from more than 10 countries.
Key Sessions: The summit included high-level ministerial sessions, over 20 interactive sessions, as well as networking and Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings.
India’s Key Policy Initiatives under Climate Action:
While addressing the summit, Union Environment Minister Yadav highlighted a series of India’s latest policy initiatives under Climate Action such as:
Environment Audit Rules 2025:
Introduced: On August 29 2025,the Government of India (GoI) notified the ‘Environment Audit Rules, 2025’ under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, establishing a nationwide framework for environmental auditing and compliance.
Two-tiered System: Under this framework, a two-tiered system of auditors as well as a dedicated agency to transparently monitor the process has been established.
Registration Requirement: Auditors must be registered with the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA), which manages their certification and registration process to ensure compliance and accountability.
Revised Green Credit Programme:
Launched: The programme was originally launched in October 2023 to encourage voluntary environmental action.
Revised Methodology: Later, the programme methodology was revised in August 2025, that allow direct participation by private entities, establish minimum eco-restoration commitments, raise private capital for climate action and utilizes Earned Green Credits.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for Green Credits, entities must engage in restoration activities for a minimum period of five years. Additionally, the plantation must achieve a minimum canopy density of 40%.
Credit Calculation: One Green Credit is awarded for each tree that survives beyond five years and contributes to the required canopy density.
Amendment to Forest Rules 2023:
Amendment: The MoEFCC amended the Forest (Conservation and Augmentation) Rules, 2023 on August 31, 2025.
Objective: To simplify the approval process for mining of critical minerals in forest areas.
Features: The amendment broadens the scope of activities allowed on forest land without requiring prior approval from the Government of India(GoI).
- Certain lands are exempted from the provisions of the Act.
Others: He also highlighted about innovative campaigns like ‘Mission LiFE(Lifestyle for Environment)’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, which helped in expanding India’s forest cover, enhancing carbon sinks, and advancing circular economy.
About Confederation of Indian Industry (CII):
Director General (DG) – Chandrajit Banerjee
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 1895
