India And UN Roll Out Capacity-Building Projects In Nine Nations To Boost SDG Progress

In a step forward for South-South cooperation, India and the United Nations (UN) have jointly launched the first phase of four capacity-building projects spanning nine partner countries.

This effort is part of the broader ‘India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative’ designed to support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The launch took place on Friday, led by Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The partner nations involved in this initial phase, however, include Zambia, Laos, Nepal, Barbados, Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and South Sudan.

Heads of Missions, UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp, diplomats, officials from ITEC institutions, UN agencies, and other partners attended the event.

Focus on Core Development Areas

Highlighting the focus areas, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on the social media platform that the projects target key sectors such as food security, healthcare, vocational training, and census preparedness.

“Fostering South-South cooperation to achieve SDG goals. The first phase of four projects in nine partner countries, under the aegis of ‘India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative’ was launched today by Secretary (West) @Tanmaya_Lal. Heads of Missions, UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Shombi Sharp, diplomats, officials from ITEC implementing institutes, UN agencies & other partner organizations graced the event. The projects focus on food security, health, vocational training & census preparedness,” he further posted on X.

Speaking at the event, Tanmaya Lal stated, “In the spirit of SDG-17 and effective international cooperation, this new India-UN initiative for global capacity-building assumes even greater importance. It aims to share experience and empower Global South partners in key areas related to the SDGs.”

Under this initiative, the UN will, however, help extend India’s development expertise by connecting its institutions and practices with other countries.

Activities under the programme will include skill-building, knowledge sharing, and pilot projects, supported by the new UN India SDG Country Fund and ITEC.

UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp further remarked, “Under the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the word is one family), India is expanding on its already long-standing leadership role in driving South-South cooperation for SDG acceleration, leveraging the innovation and partnership power of Indian institutions and the UN system.”

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