Context:

• On August 4, 2025, India launched the first phase of four development projects in nine partner countries under the India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative in New Delhi, aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Projects under Phase 1 of the India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative:

1. Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management in Nepal

(in partnership with the World Food Programme – WFP)

• Objective: To promote food security and nutrition
• Details: The project focuses on fortifying rice with nutrients and strengthening the supply chain in Nepal. It aims to reduce malnutrition and ensure food availability.
• Impact: Over 40% of Nepal’s population is affected by malnutrition. This project will improve nutrition levels, especially for women and children in local communities.

2. Digital Health Platform in Zambia and Lao PDR

(in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme – UNDP)

• Objective: To improve healthcare delivery through digital technologies
• Details: The project will establish a digital health platform in Zambia and Lao PDR, enhancing access to health services and strengthening data management.
• Impact: Digital health solutions will expand access to healthcare in rural and remote areas, helping reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

3. Census Preparation in Belize, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago

(in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA)

• Objective: To strengthen policy-making and development planning through accurate census data
• Details: The project aims to digitize and modernize the census process in these countries, covering data collection, analysis, and usage.
• Impact: Reliable census data will help governments formulate better policies in areas such as education, health, and infrastructure.

4. Vocational Training Program in South Sudan

(in partnership with UNESCO)

• Objective: To provide employable skills to youth
• Details: The project will launch vocational training programs for youth in South Sudan, focusing on technical and entrepreneurial skills.
• Impact: With over 70% youth unemployment in South Sudan, the project will promote job creation and economic stability.

About the India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative:

• Announcement: Launched during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-78) in September 2023 in New York.
• Objective: To assist Global South countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Phase 1: Includes four development projects being implemented in Nepal, Zambia, Laos, Caribbean nations, and South Sudan.
• Implementation: To be carried out by designated training institutions under India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
• About ITEC:

India’s flagship technical cooperation programme, established in 1964, providing training to over 160 countries worldwide.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Definition:

A group of 17 global goals set by the United Nations in 2015 aimed at ensuring a better, just, and sustainable future for all by 2030.

• Adoption:

Adopted on September 25, 2015, by 193 UN member states at the UN General Assembly.

• Coverage:

A total of 17 Goals and 169 Targets were established.

• Timeline:

From 2016 to 2030

• Legal Status:

These goals are not legally binding, but countries are expected to incorporate them into their national development agendas and ensure progress.

• Core Principles:

• • Universality: Applicable to all countries
  • Integration: All goals are interconnected
  • Leave no one behind: Focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups
  • Multi-stakeholder approach: Involving government, private sector, and civil society

List of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

India's Progress in SDGs (As per Sustainable Development Report - SDR 2025 by UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network):

• Ranking: India entered the Top 100 countries for the first time, ranked 99th globally.
• Score: India scored 66.95 (in some sources, rounded to 67).

Previous Rankings:

• 2024: 109th
• 2023: 112th
• 2022: 121st
• 2021: 120th