Niti Ayog, UN, CII, BMGF, NFI host National Conclave on institutionalising SDGs

Insights and findings from the conclave expected to contribute to policy-making at various levels

The second National Conclave on Institutionalizing SDGs which culminated in New Delhi recently deliberated at length on the need for institutionalising Sustainable Development Goals in the broader policy framework. Different issues and ideas that emerged from this conclave are expected to make their way not only to the policy framework at various levels in India’s context, but also contribute to the global discourse through United Nations, NITI Aayog and civil society organisations.

The conclave hosted by the United Nations in India, NITI Aayog, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and National Foundation for India (NFI) was attended by over 300 participants and stakeholders ranging from the Government, Businesses, Academia and other civil society organisations.

In her remarks at the opening session, Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, UN Resident Coordinator stressed upon the need for India’s success at SDGs to achieve the broader Agenda-2030 globally. She also emphasised the importance of business and the youth contributing to this objective.

The discussions during the two days varied from integrating SDG framework to state planning, appropriate budgeting, monitoring and financing for SDGs. The deliberations also centred around building institutional capacities, the contribution of technology and innovation to the SDGs as well as the role of communication and media in promoting sustainability.

The panellists at the conclave also underlined the importance of bridging the gaps between rural and urban local governments by including trainings, awareness programmes, university courses and e-learning MOOC modules.

Dr WR Reddy, Director General, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, made a strong case for strengthening Panchayats for SDGs. He stressed upon the need for a mechanism to collect and aggregate data in a way that is more accessible to the Gram Panchayats.

Other sessions at the conclave focused on innovation and utilisation of technology in the field of data collection and information infrastructure. Senior journalists like Radhika Bordia and Sutapa Deb presented their thoughts on the important role that media has to play in bringing together different stakeholders and actors to increase efficiency.