A panel discussion on social infrastructure financing was held today at the Global Investor Summit in Indore hosted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. Ashok Barnwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh spoke on the efforts of the State in the social sector and commitment of the State to move forward in social sector development.

Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of State for Rural Development, Government of India spoke on the positive environment in India and the State and the need to focus on health and education in the social sector.

Santosh Mathew, Country lead, Public Policy and Finance of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation built a case on the need to focus on delivery of health services and quoted the examples of efforts being done in State and India.  He added that long term vision should be to build a system that provides timely access to quality health care for every Indian citizen.

Arjan de Wagt, Chief, Nutrition, UNICEF India while speaking at a panel on social sector financing in the Global Investor Summit, in Indore speaking to corporates said that reaching sustainable development goals particularly for women and children we would need support of public and private sector institutions.

He added that 'When it comes to SDGs and social infrastructure, I see 3 overlapping CIRCLES OF REACH & IMPACT by the private sector -  Customers, clients and Communities where you work. He said that corporates can use their ACE card - Assets, look at your business and what you can do with your assets, contribute CSR funds and engage Employees in making a change. He quoted the reference of Impact4Nutrition which is a coalition of companies for making a change on nutrition. in India and MP.

Hoe Yun Jeong, Deputy Country Director India shared the efforts of the State with departments on infrastructure and skill building of young people and support to institutions in the State. Shaveta Sharma Kukreja, CEO and Managing Director Central Square Foundation praised the State on efforts to enhance literacy among children of the State and efforts being done by CSF in partnership with the School Education Department on Nipun Bharat. V. Vijaywardhan, Head Social Investments ITC foundation spoke on the efforts of ITC foundation with examples for making a change in the State of Madhya Pradesh.

Abhishek Lakhtakia of JSW Foundation spoke on their work in the State.