Net Green Foundation Hosts Sustainability Dialogue & Earth Awards 2026

Collective action is important in protecting ecosystems, say experts

New Delhi, Delhi, India – The Net Green Foundation High Impact Sustainability Dialogue & Earth Awards 2026, organised at UNESCO House, New Delhi, successfully brought together policymakers, sustainability leaders, industry experts, academicians, civil society representatives, and young innovators. The event witnessed the participation of over 125 distinguished attendees.

During the ceremony, the Net Green Foundation Earth Awards 2026 honoured more than 25 outstanding individuals, organisations, and initiatives for their remarkable contributions to environmental conservation, climate action, water sustainability, clean energy, circular economy, and community-driven sustainability.

The event was supported by key government institutions, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Authority, along with the national movement Mission LiFE.

Shri Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Food & Supplies and Environment, Forest & Wildlife, Government of NCT of Delhi was Chief guest of the event, while Shri Acharya Balkrishna ji was the Guest of Honour. Natural Sciences Programme Specialist at UNESCO India, Dr Benno Böer, was the special guest at the event.

Earlier, the programme opened with the Welcome Address by Ms Surbhi Gupta, Director, Net Green Foundation. Ms Neha Edwin, Senior Vice President, Net Green Foundation, delivered the Opening Address. Mr Umesh Kumar Sharma, Director and Editor-in-Chief, and Ms Vaanii Hiremath, Director, Net Green Foundation, were also present on the occasion.

Domain experts and thought leaders have underlined urgency for action toward building sustainable and climate-resilient communities to ensure a sustainable future. The experts have also pointed out the importance of collective action in protecting ecosystems.

Discussing sustainability issues at the Net Green Foundation High-Impact Knowledge Exchange & Earth Awards 2026 at UNESCO House, here, a panel moderated by Dr Rajeev Jindal, Professor of Practice, Department of Design, IIT Kanpur, explored various issues including corporate sustainability leadership, responsible infrastructure development, water stewardship, and the role of financial institutions in enabling green initiatives.

Another panel discussed issues related to community engagement, climate leadership, environmental education, and the importance of collective action in protecting ecosystems. This was moderated by Dr Lipika Sharma, Senior Consultant (Gender & Climate Expert) – UN Women.

Eminent panelists included Mr Debasis Satapathy, Chief General Manager (HRM), NBCC Limited; Mr Kamal Chugh, Head – Government & Institutional Business (North India), Federal Bank Limited; Dr Santanu Basu, Project Director – Harit, HCL Foundation; and Ms Rajni Dhiman, Head of Department- Water, Ramboll India Pvt. Ltd. Ms Tanish Maheshwari, Head – Communications & Advocacy, DLF Foundation, Prof. Vivek Kumar, Professor, IIT Delhi, Prof. C.R. Babu, Professor Emeritus, Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE), University of Delhi and Swami Prem Parivartan (Peepal Baba), Founder, Give Me Trees Trust.

A number of institutions including the Federal Bank, Zee, South Eastern Coalfields Limited, Radha TMT, and SUEZ India Foundation, were partners in the initiative.

The event reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to building a powerful ecosystem that celebrates sustainability leadership, encourages innovation, and fosters partnerships for a greener and more resilient future. Through such initiatives, the Foundation continues to create platforms that inspire action, innovation, and measurable environmental impact across India.