Himachal, UNDP sign pact for climate-resilient development
The state government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable development in the state.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Secretary, Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change, Sushil Singla, signed the MoU on behalf of the state government, while Dr Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, signed on behalf of UNDP.
The partnership envisages collaboration in key areas such as circular economy, waste management, social inclusion of waste management workers, electric mobility for waste collection and other climate-resilient development priorities. The MoU also covers natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, including landscape restoration, ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, biodiversity-linked sustainable livelihoods for local communities, protection of critical habitats and biodiversity corridors and strengthening regulatory and governance frameworks for ecological resilience in climate-vulnerable regions of the state.
On the occasion, Sukhu also launched the Safai Mitra Scheme aimed at empowering informal waste management workers across the state. He said sanitation and waste workers play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability through their invaluable services to society. “The dignity, safety and socio-economic empowerment of Safai Mitras are central to the state government’s circular economy vision,” he said.
The CM added that the scheme would ensure greater recognition, support and opportunities for waste workers who make a significant contribution towards maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The agreement seeks to promote gender-responsive and socially inclusive development by ensuring the participation of women, marginalised communities and informal workers in planning and implementation processes.
CM Sukhu said the partnership would help integrate global best practices with local solutions to protect the fragile Himalayan ecology while creating sustainable green livelihood opportunities for the people of the state.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration would accelerate Himachal’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The CM said the MoU aligns with the state government’s vision of transforming Himachal into a Green Energy State and a model for sustainable development in the Himalayan region. He added that the partnership would focus on knowledge exchange, capacity building, implementation of pilot projects and mobilisation of climate finance to support long-term environmental and developmental goals.
