In September 2015, 193 countries signed the Agenda 2030, with a list of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All UN member-states are committed to achieve SDGs, spanning the three dimensions of economic, social and environmental development.
The national governments have to translate these goals and targets into the
national policies, to resource and implement these policies and to measure their implementation.
As the UN resolution 70/1 mentions, apart from the states, the business sector, non-state actors and individuals too must play a significant role for full implementation of the SDGs.
In a diverse country like India, it is necessary to ensure that the systems are put in place to stimulate action and the participation from all stakeholders – from people in the grassroots up to the highest levels of Government.
While the government, as the biggest stakeholder in achieving the SDG targets is making every effort and its think tank, the NITI Aayog, is working out a mechanism for real-time monitoring of progress in various sectors involved in the process, media can play a major role in mapping the progress of these initiatives.
The media should not only inform and educate, provide a platform for public debate and discussion and serve as catalyst for citizens’ empowerment but also help to hold government and authorities to account.
The Nagrik Dialogue is unequivocally committed to achievement of SDGs. As a media outlet of Dainik Bhaskar and its philanthropic arm, the Nagrik Foundation, it will give extensive coverage to news and views about various governmental and non-governmental initiatives to achieve the targets.
To follow-up and review the programmes, the Nagrik Dialogue will also track implementation of such initiatives at the grassroots level by going to remote nooks and corners of the country and reporting on how these initiatives are impacting the lives of the people in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet.
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