Recently, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) and the United Nations in India signed the Government of India – United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 (GoI-UNSDCF). This framework aims to promote sustainable development in India and aligns with the global agenda outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Understanding the UNSDCF:
The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) is a planning and implementation instrument for the UN Development System at the country level. It serves as a guide to address key development challenges and achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Four Strategic Pillars:
The GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027 is built upon four strategic pillars derived from the 2030 Agenda, which are People, Prosperity, Planet, and Participation. These pillars form the foundation for sustainable development initiatives and policies.
Outcome Areas:
Within the four strategic pillars, the framework focuses on six outcome areas:
- Health and Well-Being: Improving healthcare services and promoting well-being among the population.
- Nutrition and Food Security: Addressing malnutrition and ensuring access to nutritious food.
- Quality Education: Enhancing the quality of education and increasing educational opportunities for all.
- Economic Growth and Decent Work: Promoting inclusive economic growth and creating decent employment opportunities.
- Environment, Climate, WASH, and Resilience: Protecting the environment, addressing climate change, ensuring access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, and building resilience.
- Empowering People, Communities, and Institutions: Strengthening individuals, communities, and institutions to actively participate in sustainable development efforts.
Collaborative Development Process:
The formulation of the GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027 was led by NITI Aayog on behalf of the Government of India. Various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, think tanks, private sector entities, cooperatives, and labor unions, contributed to the development of the framework. This inclusive approach ensures a comprehensive and holistic approach to sustainable development.
Significance for India:
The new framework holds immense significance for India due to several reasons:
- Midway Mark towards the 2030 Agenda: As the world reaches the halfway mark to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the GoI-UNSDCF provides a renewed focus and direction for India’s sustainable development efforts.
- Alignment with National Initiatives: With the UNSDCF, India aligns its flagship national initiatives with the SDGs, ensuring that local actions are in line with the global development agenda. This integration helps in delivering development gains at a significant scale.
- SDG Localization and South-South Cooperation: For the first time, the GoI-UNSDCF emphasizes specific focus on SDG localization and South-South cooperation. This highlights India’s commitment to implementing and accelerating the SDGs, as well as its leadership in promoting cooperation among developing countries.
- Showcasing Indian Models of Development: The framework recognizes the importance of showcasing Indian models of development globally. This will help India share its successful experiences and best practices, contributing to the global understanding of sustainable development.
Important Points:
- The Government of India and the United Nations in India signed the Government of India – United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 (GoI-UNSDCF).
- The UNSDCF serves as the principal planning and implementation instrument for the UN Development System at the country level.
- The framework is built upon four strategic pillars: People, Prosperity, Planet, and Participation.
- The six outcome areas of the framework focus on Health and Well Being, Nutrition and Food Security, Quality Education, Economic Growth and Decent Work, Environment, Climate, WASH and Resilience, and Empowering People, Communities, and Institutions.
- NITI Aayog led the formulation of the GoI-UNSDCF, with contributions from various stakeholders, ensuring a whole-of-society, whole-of-government, and whole-of-UN approach.
- The framework comes at a critical juncture as the world reaches the halfway mark to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- India aligns its flagship national initiatives with the SDGs through the UNSDCF, translating Agenda 2030 into local actions and delivering development gains at scale.
- The GoI-UNSDCF will focus on SDG localization and South-South cooperation, in line with India’s leadership and commitment to the implementation and acceleration of the SDGs.
- Showcasing Indian models of development globally is central to the framework’s efforts.
Why In News
Recently, NITI Aayog and the United Nations in India joined forces once again, forging a landmark partnership through the signing of the Government of India – United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027. This collaboration aims to bolster India’s efforts in achieving sustainable development goals, fostering a harmonious and inclusive future for all its citizens.
MCQs about India and UN Sign GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027
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What is the purpose of the Government of India – United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027?
A. To promote sustainable development in India
B. To address global climate change
C. To strengthen international trade partnerships
D. To improve defense and security cooperation
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Which of the following is NOT one of the six outcome areas of the GoI-UNSDCF?
A. Health and Well Being
B. Quality Education
C. Energy and Power Generation
D. Empowering People, Communities, and Institutions
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What is the significance of the GoI-UNSDCF for India?
A. It helps achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
B. It focuses on defense and security cooperation.
C. It promotes economic growth and prosperity.
D. It aims to improve bilateral trade agreements.
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