Shimla, June 5 (IANS) The Himachal Pradesh government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development in the state.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu. State Secretary (Environment) Sushil Singla signed the pact on behalf of the government, while Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, signed on behalf of the 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 pact 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 of regulatory and governance frameworks for ecological resilience in climate-vulnerable regions of the state.

In addition, the partnership will promote gender-responsive, socially inclusive development by ensuring the participation of women, marginalised communities, and informal workers in planning and implementation.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhu said the agreement would enable the state to integrate global best practices with local solutions to protect its fragile Himalayan ecology while creating sustainable green livelihood opportunities for its people.

He expressed confidence that the collaboration would accelerate the state’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Chief Minister said the pact aligns with the government’s vision of transforming Himachal Pradesh 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, the implementation of pilot projects, and the mobilisation of climate finance to support long-term environmental and developmental goals.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister 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.

–IANS

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