MPs get lessons on sustainable development goals

The Speaker's Research Initiative (SRI), conceptualised by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, on Tuesday organised a workshop on sustainable development goals (SDGs) for members of Parliament in the Parliament Library.

The speakers at the workshop included experts from Niti Aayog, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and senior officials from the External Affairs Ministry.

"The MPs were informed about the transition process from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the SDGs, covering 17 ambitious goals and 169 related targets and how they seek to integrate the development process with ecological concerns and balance the three key facets of sustainable development: environmental, social and economic," an official said.

"The audience were made aware of the fact that SDGs are aimed at addressing key issues affecting the well-being of individuals, such as poverty eradication, health, and energy.

"These goals are also related to factors that affect global society with respect to food, climate change and water security. They were also sensitized about several initiatives and programmes being run by the government for achieving the targets under SDGs," the official added.

The SRI was launched in July 23, 2015 to help parliamentarians develop an informed perspective on issues and subjects under consideration of Parliament, through expert advise from domain specialists. It was in this context that Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan conceptualised the initiative.

--IANS

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