UNDP signs pact with Panchayati Raj Ministry for localizing SDGs

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a joint statement of understanding on the localisation of sustainable development goals. The agreement was signed by Sunil Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India and Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP.

UNDP said that about 65% of Indian population resides in rural areas and the government is increasingly routing the funding of social sector schemes in sectors such as sanitation, housing, and solid waste management through rural local bodies. Noda commented that the achievement of SDGs by 2030 can only be achieved if local contexts and situations are considered. She added that the partnership between the two institutions will help in keeping local priorities on top of the agenda, while planning and implementing programmes related to SDGs.

Sunil Kumar, at the signing of joint statement of understanding, said that Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) have been a critical component of local self-governance across rural India and the nation has witnessed the contribution of PRIs in achieving last-mile connectivity and execution of various schemes of different departments or ministries. Therefore, he added that actively involving PRIs will be important in achieving the goals of SDGs.