WSDS 2025 Thematic Track - Sustaining Change: Public-Private Partnerships for Climate-Resilient Eco-Villages
Background & Rationale
Rural communities in India are on the frontlines of climate change, facing mounting challenges such as water scarcity, inefficient waste management, and high carbon footprints. These issues threaten both environmental sustainability and the livelihoods of millions. Addressing these complex challenges requires integrated, scalable solutions that blend innovation, policy support, and community engagement.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a powerful mechanism to drive sustainable rural development. By combining public sector expertise with private sector innovation and resources, PPPs can create long-term, climate-resilient solutions. The three-year collaboration between GIZ India and Hindustan Unilever Limited has successfully piloted an eco-village model that integrates water positive strategies, zero-waste initiatives, and low-carbon solutions. This event will delve into the impact of this initiative and explore pathways for scaling and institutionalizing such models for broader climate resilience and rural sustainability.
Objectives of the Thematic Track
This session aims to:
- Showcase Project Learnings & Impact: Present key insights, successes, and challenges from the eco-village initiative.
- Promote Eco-Villages as Scalable Models: Highlight their role in advancing rural sustainability and climate resilience.
- Launch the Eco-Village Compendium: Introduce a comprehensive knowledge resource featuring implementation strategies and policy recommendations.
- Strengthen Multi-Sector Collaboration: Facilitate discussions among policymakers, corporate stakeholders, NGOs, and community representatives to enhance the reach and impact of climate-resilient initiatives.
This thematic track will provide a platform for cross-sectoral collaboration, innovative solutions, and actionable strategies to drive climate-resilient rural development in India. We look forward to engaging discussions that will help shape the future of sustainable eco-villages.