UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp Commends Odisha’s Development Initiatives

Bhubaneswar: Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Coordinator in India, recently visited Odisha where he met with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Niwas to discuss the state’s development trajectory and its partnership with UN agencies. During the meeting, Sharp lauded Odisha’s progress in various sectors and commended the longstanding partnership between UN agencies and the state government.

Highlighting Odisha’s strides in improving human development indicators, Sharp praised the state’s efforts in disaster management, particularly in the face of natural calamities. He acknowledged Odisha’s transformation in disaster resilience under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, citing the state’s exemplary handling of disasters like Cyclone Phailin and Cyclone Fani. The UN Resident Coordinator noted that Odisha’s disaster management model has garnered international recognition and serves as a benchmark for other nations.

Sharp also hailed Odisha’s achievements in food security, citing the state’s Millet Mission as a pioneering initiative that has set an example for India and the world. He praised Odisha’s implementation of the National Food Security Act and its transition from a state grappling with starvation cases to a major food surplus state. Odisha’s innovative food security network, including the Aahar centers providing cooked meals at subsidized rates, has been lauded globally for its effectiveness.

Furthermore, Sharp discussed the impact of the 5T Governance framework in Odisha since its inception in 2019. The principles of Transparency, Technology, Teamwork, Time, and Transformation have propelled the state’s governance mechanism, fostering rapid progress and development across various sectors.

Expressing his gratitude for Sharp’s visit, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik affirmed Odisha’s commitment to continue collaborating with UN agencies to leverage global best practices for the state’s advancement. He emphasized the importance of such partnerships in bringing about transformative change and ensuring inclusive growth for the people of Odisha.