NITI Aayog Convenes National Workshop On SDG Progress In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Feb 21 (KNN) A significant national workshop focusing on accelerating and monitoring progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concluded today in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The event, organised by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Government of Odisha and technical partners including UNDP, brought together senior officials from 25 states and Union Territories.

The conference, which centered on the State Support Mission (SSM), featured comprehensive technical sessions addressing SDG localisation, financing strategies, and the upcoming Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2025.

Notable attendees included NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman K. Bery, CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, and Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, alongside representatives from UN agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organisations.

In his address, Vice Chairman Bery emphasised the critical importance of implementing a data-driven, multi-stakeholder approach to address development gaps and enhance governance mechanisms.

NITI Aayog's CEO highlighted India's remarkable progress in SDG implementation, particularly noting achievements in poverty reduction and successful localisation efforts.

Chief Secretary Ahuja reinforced the significance of robust data collection and visualisation practices in advancing SDG-aligned governance.

The workshop showcased the instrumental role of SDG Coordination and Acceleration Centres in driving sustainable development initiatives.

These centres are tasked with developing comprehensive accelerator plans, ensuring scheme convergence, and addressing SDG financing challenges while promoting strategic messaging at local levels.

The centres’ work emphasises data-driven decision-making and effective resource allocation. This gathering represents a crucial step in strengthening India's commitment to Agenda 2030, demonstrating NITI Aayog's dedication to fostering cooperative federalism.

The conference serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange among states and territories, reinforcing the collaborative approach needed to achieve sustainable development objectives across the nation.

(KNN Bureau)