The National Conference on Fast-Tracking and Reporting of Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concluded today in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Organized by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Government of Odisha and technical partners like UNDP, the conference aimed to enhance the implementation of SDGs across India. This event gathered senior government officials from 25 States and Union Territories, along with representatives from various ministries, UN agencies, academia, and civil society organizations (CSOs). The discussions focused on critical areas such as SDG localization, financing, and the upcoming Voluntary National Review (VNR) in 2025.
Key Participants and Inaugural Session Highlights
The conference commenced with an inaugural session featuring prominent figures such as Sh. Suman K. Bery, the Hon’ble Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, and Sh. B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, the CEO of NITI Aayog. Sh. Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary of the Government of Odisha, also played a significant role in the discussions. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and the commitment of various stakeholders to the SDGs.
During the session, Vice Chairman Sh. Bery emphasized the need for a data-driven, multi-stakeholder approach. He highlighted that bridging existing gaps and strengthening governance are essential to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development. CEO Sh. Subrahmanyam pointed out India’s notable progress in achieving SDGs, particularly in poverty reduction and effective localization. He urged States and Union Territories to engage in peer learning to maximize collective impact. Chief Secretary Sh. Ahuja reiterated the importance of accurate data collection and visualization as fundamental elements of good governance for advancing SDGs.