New Delhi: Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, inaugurated the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) stall at the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2026 held at Taj Palace, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
The SGP exhibition stall emerged as a vibrant hub of grassroots innovation during the summit, showcasing community-led solutions that promote sustainability and climate resilience. During his visit, the Hon’ble Minister explored a range of product displays presented by SGP grantees, including BAIF Development Research Foundation, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (ICR), Manav Jeevan Vikas Samiti (CSAR), and the Foundation for MSME Cluster (NER). The exhibits highlighted sustainable livelihood products, climate-resilient agricultural innovations, and eco-friendly value-added goods developed through local knowledge systems.
The Hon’ble Minister also interacted with the National Coordinator of SGP India, Mr. Manish Pandey, his team members, and representatives from several SGP-supported organisations who were demonstrating and selling their products at the stall. The interaction underscored the impact and importance of community-driven initiatives in addressing environmental challenges while supporting local economies.
Over the three-day summit, held from 25 to 27 February 2026, the stall attracted a diverse audience, including policymakers, development practitioners, researchers, private-sector representatives, and citizens. Serving both as a marketplace and a knowledge-sharing platform, the stall facilitated meaningful dialogue between grassroots innovators and national-level stakeholders.
Visitors actively engaged with the exhibitors and purchased locally produced goods, reflecting growing consumer confidence and the strong market potential of community-led sustainable solutions.
The exhibition highlighted the core mission of the SGP initiative—empowering communities, promoting sustainability, and strengthening market linkages for locally driven environmental solutions