India's Global Initiative Sparks UN Partnership for Capacity Building

India's UN Global Capacity Building Initiative, launched on August 1, aims to foster south-south cooperation and accelerate SDG goals through strategic partnerships. The first phase features projects in Nepal, Zambia, Lao PDR, and other countries, leveraging India's expertise under the ITEC program to strengthen global capacities.

In a significant stride towards fostering global cooperation, India's UN Global Capacity Building Initiative was unveiled on August 1 by Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal at the Ministry of External Affairs. The initiative, announced in September 2023 during the 78th United Nations General Assembly, underscores India's commitment to south-south cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the launch event, attended by heads of missions from participating countries and UN officials, it was highlighted that this collaboration combines the strengths of India's longstanding ITEC (Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation) program and various UN agencies. Over 12,000 training slots are offered annually to around 160 countries through ITEC, making it a flagship endeavor in capacity building.

The first phase of this initiative includes four diverse projects: a rice fortification program in Nepal, a digital health platform for Zambia and Lao PDR, census preparedness for several Caribbean nations, and vocational training in South Sudan. These projects, set for implementation by September 2025, aim to empower human resources with specialized training to meet the SDG objectives.

(With inputs from agencies.)