New Delhi: The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and UNDP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP will offer technical assistance to MDoNER in expediting the achievement of the SDGs: strengthening monitoring and evaluation processes, building capacity, supporting Aspirational districts and blocks, and facilitating the integration of emerging technologies in governance while scaling up successful initiatives.
The Minister of State for Ministry of DoNER and Ministry of Cooperation, B.L.Verma and UN Assistant Secretary-General & Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA), Ulrika Modéer were also present.
Addressing the delegates, Minister of State, MDoNER B.L. Verma expressed that the central focus of the government is the development of social and infrastructure connectivity in the North Eastern Region (NER). The Minister expressed hope that the UNDP would assist the Ministry in achieving this objective.
He also said, ‘The Ministry of DoNER has taken remarkable strides across critical sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, health, education, climate change and economic growth to transform the lives of the people in the region. In this journey, UNDP has been our key partner in promoting data-driven decision-making, especially through the North East Region District SDG Index.’
The NER District SDG Index, as stated by MoS, played a significant role in the formation of the flagship PM-DevINE scheme. This scheme aims to enhance livelihood opportunities in the region, particularly for women and youth, by providing funding for infrastructure and social development.
Ulrika Modéer appreciated the Government of India’s efforts towards fast-tracking the development of the North Eastern Region. She said, ‘UNDP is privileged to sign this MoU with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. We are committed to supporting national and sub national efforts to accelerate progress on the goals by providing technical support on SDG localization and improved capacities towards implementation and monitoring of programmes.’
