The forthcoming Odisha Budget should be based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed by countries under UN framework to which India has ratified and the Odisha Government should set up a task force to monitor and implement SDGs in the State, said a resolution adopted at a State level workshop on SDGs, Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction held here on January 17 organised by city-based Focus Odisha Foundation and India SDGs Forum.
“ As Odisha is witnessing frequent natural disasters, we need to harness innovations, use technological advancement and frame policies in line with the international framework conventions,’’ said Focus Odisha Foundation director and convenor of the workshopSudarshan Chhotoray.
He further added that though Odisha has set an example internationally as far as disaster management was concerned, there was a need to do more and bring convergence of actions on disaster and climate front realigned with SDGs targets.
While speaking at the inaugural session Special Secretary Finance Pradeep K Biswal stressed on the need for civil society cooperation.
He elaborated on how the Government was making special efforts to integrate SDGs targets in its programmes and policies.
Prominent among the speakers who spoke in various sessions were advisor to the State Women,Child Development and Mission Shakti Sulata Deo, UNDP State representative Abha Mishra, scientist from West Bengal Supratima Karmakar, president of Adhikar Md N Amin, health expert Gouranga Mahapatra, peace ambassador Subas Panada and former Member of State Women Commission Snigdha Panigrahy etc.
The workshop witnessed presentations based on each goal of SDGs by organisations and individuals.