National Workshop on Fast-Tracking SDGs Held in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A National Workshop on Fast-Tracking and Reporting Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was held today in Bhubaneswar. Organized jointly by the Government of Odisha, NITI Aayog, and UNDP, the workshop brought together key policymakers, senior government officials, and experts from various States and Union Territories to discuss strategies for accelerating SDG implementation through integrated planning, financing, and monitoring.

In his keynote address, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery emphasized the need for an evidence-based, multi-stakeholder approach to bridge development gaps, strengthen governance, and mobilize sustainable financing for inclusive growth. NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam highlighted India’s progress in poverty reduction and SDG localization, urging States and UTs to foster knowledge-sharing for collective impact.

Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, IAS, in his inaugural address, outlined the state’s key SDG achievements and reiterated the importance of data-driven localization and decentralized governance in achieving Viksit Odisha @ 2036 and Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, IAS, provided insights into Odisha’s SDG implementation strategies, highlighting major initiatives and the importance of integrated planning and monitoring.

The workshop featured technical sessions focusing on various aspects of SDG acceleration. The session on Strengthening SDG Localization, moderated by UNDP, explored innovative approaches adopted by Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Jharkhand in institutionalizing SDGs at the local level. Another session on SDG Financing, moderated by the Ministry of Finance, examined best practices in resource mobilization and public-private partnerships. State-specific insights from Haryana, Odisha, Meghalaya, and Rajasthan enriched discussions on SDG budgeting.

Experts from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), civil society organizations, think tanks, and the private sector shared insights during the Voluntary National Review (VNR) session, focusing on India’s 3rd VNR and lessons from past reviews.