UN Resident Coordinator In India Calls On Odisha CM
Bhubaneswar: Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India called on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and heaped praise on the state government efforts in disaster management, food security, 5T Governance, HDI indicators and Millet Mission
Sharp delved into the developmental trajectory of Odisha and its collaborative ventures with UN agencies. He lauded the enduring and productive alliance between UN entities and the Odisha Government, highlighting the state’s commendable strides in augmenting human development indices. Mr. Sharp extolled Odisha’s adeptness in disaster management, a crucial facet given its susceptibility to calamities, notably exemplified by the super cyclone of 1999. However, under Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik’s stewardship, a strategic emphasis on bolstering disaster resilience, underpinned by community-centric approaches, has elevated Odisha as a paragon in disaster mitigation.
The UN’s recognition of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s adept handling of Cyclone Phailin in 2013 and the subsequent acknowledgment by esteemed platforms like The New York Times following Cyclone Fani’s impact in 2019 underscore Odisha’s prowess in crisis management. Mr. Sharp also commended Odisha’s pioneering initiatives in ensuring food security, particularly lauding the Millet Mission, which not only serves as a national exemplar but also garners global acclaim.
The transformative journey from a state grappling with starvation to becoming a food surplus entity is emblematic of Odisha’s visionary leadership and pro-poor policies championed by Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik. The widespread establishment of Aahar centers, offering nutritious meals at nominal prices, reflects Odisha’s commitment to eradicating hunger and malnutrition.
Moreover, Mr. Sharp delved into the transformative impact of the 5T Governance framework, elucidating how principles such as Transparency, Technology, Teamwork, Time, and Transformation have catalyzed governance efficacy since 2019, fostering accelerated progress across Odisha. Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik expressed gratitude for Mr. Sharp’s visit and reiterated Odisha’s steadfast commitment to partnering with UN agencies to assimilate global best practices for the state’s holistic development.
