Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy to be Chief Guest; TERI Director General Dr. Vibha Dhawan to moderate high-level Climate Dialogue
Hyderabad : As climate change increasingly shapes economies, societies, and everyday life across the globe, a distinguished gathering of policymakers, environmental experts, industry leaders, academics, and young changemakers will come together in Hyderabad to deliberate on a question that is as compelling as it is urgent: “Will Future Generations Forgive Us?”
The discussion will take place at the next edition of Symposium, an invite-only, not-for-profit forum that brings together visionary leaders and thought influencers for meaningful conversations on issues that shape the future. Scheduled for July 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Hotel Avasa, Hyderabad, the event aims to encourage informed dialogue on one of the defining challenges of our time—the climate crisis.
At a time when extreme weather events, water scarcity, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation are becoming increasingly visible, the discussion seeks to move beyond awareness and focus on responsibility, accountability, and action. The central theme of the evening revolves around a simple but profound question: Will future generations thank us for the world we leave behind—or question the choices we made?
The event will be graced by Shri N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Irrigation & CAD, Government of Telangana, who has consented to attend as the Chief Guest. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), one of India’s most respected voices in sustainability and environmental policy.
Joining the discussion will be Prof. Asif Qureshi, Head of the Department of Climate Change at IIIT Hyderabad, Mr. Goutham Reddy, Chairman, CII, and Mr. Ranjan Panda, noted environmentalist and widely known as the Waterman of Odisha. Together, they will share perspectives on climate resilience, sustainable development, water security, environmental governance, industry responsibility, and the collective actions required to safeguard the future.
Adding a powerful intergenerational dimension to the conversation will be Avyana Mehta and Ariana Agarwal, winners of the Global Earth Prize 2026. Their participation reflects the growing role of young people in leading environmental action and underscores the fact that the consequences of today’s decisions will be borne largely by future generations.
The organizers of Symposium believe that climate change is no longer merely an environmental issue; it is an economic, social, developmental, and moral challenge. Decisions relating to energy, water, urbanization, consumption patterns, and natural resource management made today will influence the quality of life for decades to come. The forum seeks to bring together diverse voices and perspectives to explore solutions that are both practical and sustainable.
As governments, businesses, institutions, and citizens grapple with increasingly complex environmental challenges, Symposium aims to create a platform for thoughtful engagement and constructive dialogue. The event is expected to attract leaders from industry, academia, government, civil society, and the sustainability ecosystem, all united by a shared concern for the future of the planet.
Founded as a platform where visionaries converge, Symposium has steadily emerged as a forum for high-quality discussions that encourage reflection, learning, and action. Through conversations that matter, it seeks to inspire responsible leadership and informed decision-making in an increasingly interconnected world.
It convenes some of the country’s most respected policymakers, business leaders, scientists, academics, and public intellectuals for informed conversations on issues that will shape India’s future. Built on the belief that meaningful dialogue should lead to meaningful outcomes; each session culminates in a White Paper capturing key insights and actionable recommendations.
