Catalysing Indo–European endeavours to combat global threats
Press release, 27 January 2000

TERI–Europe was inaugurated in London on 25 January 2000 by the Right Honourable Mr John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister of Britain. The gala launch was hosted by Dame Veronica Sutherland, Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat and attended by a host of British and Indian dignitaries.

TERI – the Tata Energy Research Institute – is one of India’s largest non-profit research organizations working on energy- and environment-related issues. TERI–Europe will be TERI’s European partner with an overall objective to explore areas of collaborative research and implementation of mutually beneficial solutions to sustainable development problems.

The global character of emerging concerns about the environment necessitates the partnering of developed and developing countries. Cross-border initiatives must recognize the socio-cultural and economic realities influencing current patterns of development. The establishment of TERI–Europe is an attempt to catalyse such global thinking and action.

Describing the setting up as a ‘bold and impressive move’, Mr Prescott quipped, "We often think of organizations from Britain setting up offices in India and other developing countries. It is wonderful to see it happening the other way round." He added, "TERI-Europe will stimulate greater understanding of the transport and environmental issues facing developing countries and of opportunities for growth and development, keeping in mind the important consideration of sustainable use of natural resources."

Among those present at the inauguration were Shri Nareshwar Dayal, High Commissioner of India to Britain; Sir Nicholas Fenn, Former High Commissioner of Britain to India; Prof. Sir John Houghton, Former Chairman, Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution; Sir Crispin Tickell, Director, Green College, Centre for Environmental Policy and Understanding; High Commissioners of many Commonwealth nations; representatives of the Department of Transport, Environment, and the Regions, Government of Britain; and numerous senior executives from Shell, Unilever, and the Department for International Development.

TERI–Europe will address the following specific areas.

It will explore common grounds for Europe and India to find solutions to the problem of global climate change consistent with national goals and based on equitable and democratic choices. This intent would find shape in joint research projects, regular information sharing, workshops, and seminars involving analysts and decision makers.
It will inform British and European industry about business opportunities in India in the energy and environment field. Liberalization of the Indian economy and the emergence of new regulatory institutions, settings, and situations require a fresh look at business opportunities. TERI–Europe will provide relevant analysis and guidance to potential investors.
It will establish an Internet-based information system to facilitate appropriate technology choices with European organizations and businesses as important partners. The choice of existing and new technologies must focus on local as well as global environmental benefits.
It will explore partnerships with European organizations, especially in the UK, to promote an Indian agenda on corporate responsibility, with the objective of facilitating smoother trade and business links between India and Europe.
It will promote dialogue between organizations in the UK, Europe, and India as they relate to regulation of the energy sector and to environment protection.

TERI–Europe’s Board of Directors

Dr Keith Bezanson, Director, Institute of Development Studies
Prof. Partha Dasgupta, Frank Ramsey Professor of Economics, University of Cambridge
Sir Nicholas Fenn, Former High Commissioner of UK to India
Dr Ritu Kumar, Consultant, Science and Technology Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
Dr R K Pachauri, Director, TERI


For further information, please write to
Ms Mudita Chauhan
Office of the Director
muditac@teri.res.in


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