New Delhi, Nov 12 (NationPress) India and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) engaged in talks on enhancing their partnership to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advance digital transformation.

The Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, met with UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu, discussing the changing landscape of the United Nations system and the pressing need for reforms.

“Secretary (West) Sibi George welcomed UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu to deliberate on India-UNDP collaboration aimed at achieving SDG targets, enhancing digital transformation, and supporting India’s project initiatives to promote South-South cooperation to meet SDGs and tackle climate action challenges in developing nations. They also addressed the evolving dynamics within the UN system and the necessity of reforms during UN@80,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.

Haoliang Xu reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to India's developmental priorities and explored avenues to bolster India’s leadership in South-South Cooperation.

Sharing insights about the meeting, UNDP India mentioned, “Haoliang Xu, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNDP Acting Administrator, met with Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the MEA, to reaffirm UNDP’s dedication to India’s development priorities and discuss strategies to enhance India’s leadership in South-South Cooperation. As a reliable partner, India continues to share its development experiences, technology, and innovations with the Global South, propelling progress towards the SDGs.”

During his visit to India, Haoliang Xu also met Anuradha Thakur, Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, further strengthening UNDP's partnership with the Government of India.

After the meeting, UNDP India shared on X, “In New Delhi, Haoliang Xu met with Ms Anuradha Thakur, reaffirming UNDP’s robust collaboration with the Government of India. UNDP India expresses its appreciation for the Ministry’s leadership and guidance in effectively implementing its Country Programme.”

“In our forward journey, we will persist in supporting the government by: Investing in innovative development solutions and mobilizing partnerships for impact through global expertise, knowledge exchange, and technical support. Advancing national priorities on Sustainable Finance, and supporting state governments. Sharing India’s experience on a global scale, especially with the Global South,” it added.

On Tuesday, Team UN in India welcomed Haoliang Xu to Delhi. During this event, Xu discussed UN reforms, the UN80 initiative, and the close partnership between India and the UN to accomplish the SDGs.

“Team UN in India welcomed UNDP's Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu to Delhi. He outlined UN reforms, the UN 80 initiative, and emphasized the close collaboration between the UN and India to achieve SDGs. Mr. Xu also met with government officials and partners to celebrate six decades,” posted the United Nations in India on X.

In New Delhi, Haoliang Xu also visited a health centre, witnessing India’s digital health solutions in practice. UNDP India expressed pride in partnering with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to advance people-centric digital solutions that enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

“At a health centre in Delhi, UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu observed India’s remarkable digital health solutions in action. From witnessing an infant receiving her vital vaccination to issuing vaccination certificates to parents, the transformative power of innovation was evident. Platforms like eVIN and U-WIN are instrumental in strengthening India’s health systems. eVIN digitizes vaccine logistics, ensuring timely delivery of every dose, while U-WIN builds on this success by creating a unified digital registry for immunization, ensuring comprehensive coverage for every child and mother. UNDP India is proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to promote these inclusive and efficient digital healthcare solutions,” posted UNDP India on X.

Furthermore, the UNDP Acting Administrator took part in an event commemorating a decade of India’s digital transformation. UNDP praised India for its leadership in constructing and expanding homegrown, interoperable digital health systems for both India and the Global South.

In a post on X, UNDP India stated, “Today in New Delhi, UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu joined senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Women and Child Development, and the National Health Authority (NHA) at a gathering celebrating ten years of India’s digital transformation, extending healthcare solutions to the last mile. We applaud India’s leadership in developing and scaling homegrown, interoperable digital health systems for India and the Global South. UNDP India is honored to assist the Government of India in advancing digital health solutions to establish stronger, more inclusive immunization systems.”

Haoliang Xu also met with NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Suman Bery to discuss enhancing support to states through the Sustainable Development Goal Coordination Centre (SDGCAC) for tangible results at the community level.

“During a fruitful meeting, UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu and NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Suman Bery deliberated on strategies to: Strengthen SDGs Localization: Expanding support to States via the SDGCAC to yield measurable results where it is most impactful—at the community level. Private Sector as a Force for Good: Encouraging domestic private investment and innovation in alignment with the SDGs. South-South Cooperation: Sharing India’s impressive success stories—from digital health advancements to SDG financing—with nations across the Global South. Crafting solutions in India, for India, and for the world,” stated UNDP India on X.