SDG Summit, Leaders’ Dialogue 4: Strengthening integrated policies and public institutions for achieving the SDGs

Statement by Shri Suman K. Bery, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog

18 September 2023

Thank you, Chair.

Since the unanimous adoption of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, the world has witnessed profound changes. A devastating pandemic, military conflict and the irreversible effects of human-induced climate change have disproportionately impacted the world's poor and vulnerable, with just 12% of the targets currently on track, carrying significant global consequences.

In this year of India’s G20 Presidency, the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration rightly lays stress on accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, using the G20’s convening power to fully and effectively implement the 2030 Agenda in a timely manner. In addition to financing, G20 leaders have also endorsed a roadmap covering critical issues like hunger and malnutrition, energy, health, finance, quality education and culture as a transformative driver for the SDGs.

For its own part, India has firmly integrated the SDGs into its national development strategies. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, multiple focused interventions have been launched for each of the SDGs. NITI Aayog, as the premier national think-tank, guides both Central Ministries and State Governments in realizing the SDGs. Meeting as NITI Aayog’s Governing Council, Chief Ministers closely monitor SDG progress which are also reviewed during state consultations by me. NITI Aayog also monitors SDG progress through various indices which serve as tools to identify and address the most critical issues.

India takes pride in its SDG localization model, based on four pillars: institutional ownership, collaborative competition, capacity building, and a whole-of-society approach. Our growth outcomes result from systemic reforms, inclusive policies, and leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure.

The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) initiated and monitored by NITI Aayog demonstrates India’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for those who live in 112 of India’s most backward districts. The remarkable success of the ADP has paved the way for the launch of the ‘Aspirational Blocks Programme’.

We aspire for a developed India by 2047, coinciding with the 100th year of our independence. Our unwavering commitment extends to partnerships, including South-South Cooperation.

Thank you.

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