UNICEF has collaborated with IIM Ranchi to set up a Centre for Policy Advocacy and Management (CPAM) to continuously advocate, engage and collaborate with policy makers and other stakeholders on child survival, development and protection issues. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi and UNICEF signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday.
Dr Madhulika Jonathan, Chief of UNICEF Jharkhand said, “UNICEF’s mandate and innovation strategy focuses on expanding partnerships with academic organizations to be able to leverage new ideas, strategies and approaches for improving the development outcomes for children and contributing to reaching the sustainable development goals. To realize the goals of the SDGs, UNICEF is seeking to go beyond short-term engagements to integrated partnerships that add value to regional activities, advance critical analysis and programming, and can have impact on a large scale.”
Jonathan further added, “As part of the engagement with IIM Ranchi, the CPAM host scholars, researchers and subject experts as part of the Visiting Scholars Programme (VSP) for identifying gaps, suggesting solutions, building evidence base to influence and strengthen government programmes and policies.”Advocacy seminars/conferences will be organized to increase awareness of students, companies, NGOs/CSOs and civil society on child rights, sustainable development Goals (SDGs), responsible business practices and corporate engagement. Capacity development programme are planned for government officials and working professionals on management aspects and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in partnership with Jharkhand Corporate Social Responsibility Council (JCSRC) of the Department of Industries, Mines and Geology.
The CPAM will also undertake documentation of innovative CSR work and best practices in the field.
Prof Anindya Sen, Director, IIM Ranchi, said, “The Centre will provide a golden opportunity to faculty members to contribute their expertise on policy management to the Government of Jharkhand and also to learn from experts in the areas of nutrition, child care, maternal health etc.” The programme was attended by IIM Ranchi students, faculty and staff including UNICEF resource personnel.