The National Institution for Transforming India, also known as NITI Aayog, has recently signed the Government of India – United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (GoI-UNSDCF) 2023-2027. The United Nations General Assembly designates this framework as the chief planning and execution tool for the UN Development System at the country level. It is in harmony with India’s national vision for development and aims to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It gives importance to gender equality, youth empowerment, and human rights.
The Structure of GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027: Strategic Pillars and Outcome Areas
The GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027 is based upon four strategic pillars that have been devised from the 2030 Agenda: People, Prosperity, Planet, and Participation. These four pillars cover six outcome areas: Health and Wellbeing; Nutrition and Food Security; Quality Education; Economic Growth and Decent Work; Environment, Climate, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and Resilience; and Empowering People, Communities, and Institutions.
Focus of the GoI-UNSDCF: SDG Localization and South-South Cooperation
The GoI-UNSDCF lays specific emphasis on SDG localisation and South-South cooperation, aligning with India’s leadership role in implementing and accelerating the SDGs. SDG localization is the conversion of the SDGs into reality at the grassroots level, synchronized with national frameworks and community priorities. India plans to exhibit its development models globally and vigorously promotes South-South cooperation.
Implementation and Monitoring of the GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027
The execution, monitoring, and reporting of the GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027 will be jointly led by the Government of India and the United Nations. These efforts will be convened through a Joint Steering Committee.
Unraveling Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also labelled the Global Goals, are a universal appeal to end poverty, save the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The SDGs comprise a set of 17 goals which acknowledge that action in one area will impact outcomes in others and that development must balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Countries have pledged to prioritize progress for those who are left behind.
The SDGs have been created to eliminate poverty, hunger, AIDS, and discrimination against women. In recent years, India has made significant efforts towards achieving the 13th Goal of the SDGs, which demands urgent action to fight climate change and its detrimental impacts.
Recalling Previous Year Questions from UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the 2016 examination, a question related to the Sustainable Development Goals was asked. The question was: “Consider the following statements: (2016) The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2.” The correct answer was (b).
Source: PIB