Two-Day Workshop Focuses on Sustainable Development Goals, Environment, and Gender Statistics in Bhopal

Bhopal: A two-day consultative workshop on “Monitoring Frameworks of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), compilation of Environment Accounts, and Gender statistics” is being held in Bhopal from January 23rd to 24th, 2025.

Organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India, the workshop aims to build capacity in these three crucial aspects of development.

The workshop attracted around 200 participants on its first day, including representatives from national and sub-national government agencies, international organizations, and line ministries.

The inaugural session was graced by the presence of Madhya Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Jagdish Devda. He emphasized the importance of timely and granular data collection for evidence-based policymaking. He further highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to achieving the SDGs and its ongoing efforts towards the state’s development.

Anurag Jain, Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, echoed the importance of readily available data and its link to national development through the use of modern technologies. He also spoke about the advancements made by the state government in various sectors and the critical role data plays in policy formulation.

Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, highlighted the significance of partnership and innovation in improving the scope and coverage of data products released by the Ministry. He emphasized MoSPI’s continuous efforts towards strengthening India’s statistical system and contributing to the nation’s transformation into a “Vikasit Bharat” (Developed India).

UN Resident Coordinator, Shombi Sharp, commended India’s role in the global arena and its initiatives towards sustainable development.

A key highlight of the first day was the release of a report titled “Ocean Ecosystem Accounts in India- A Framework: A report by the Expert Group.” This report, accessible on the MoSPI website (https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/OEA_report_23012025.pdf), will serve as the foundation for compiling India’s Ocean Ecosystem Accounts.

Day 1 primarily focused on discussions around SDGs. Stakeholder ministries provided insights on various aspects of SDGs, including aligning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with these goals.

The Ministry gears up for the second day, where in-depth discussions on environment and gender statistics are planned.

Through this workshop, MoSPI aims to promote the essence of sustainability, aligning with the SDG principle of “Leaving No One Behind” and the national motto of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Collective Effort, Inclusive Growth, Shared Trust, and Endeavor for All). The Ministry encourages active participation in the second day with the same enthusiasm.