In a recent NDTV exclusive, Angela Lusigi, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India, shared insights on a range of critical development issues and the UNDP's ongoing work in the country. The discussion highlighted India's progress, challenges, and the role of the UNDP in supporting sustainable and inclusive development.
Lusigi commended India's significant strides in sustainable development, particularly in areas like public healthcare, climate action, and inclusive growth. She emphasized the country's innovative use of digital technology to improve health service delivery and expand social protection, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind. The UNDP is proud to support these initiatives.
A key focus of the discussion revolved around the UNDP's partnership with the Indian government in localizing and accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNDP Country Programme 2023-2027 is closely aligned with India's national priorities and global commitments, including the Fifteen Year Vision (2017-2032), Seven Year Strategy (2017-2024), and Three Year Action Agenda (2017-2020). It is also aligned with the Government of India-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-27 and UNDP's Global Strategic Plan 2022-25.
Lusigi highlighted India's leadership in achieving the SDGs and its willingness to share its experiences with other countries through South-South Cooperation. Many nations are keen to learn from India's example in SDG localization and acceleration, as well as SDG finance. The UNDP is committed to supporting these knowledge-sharing efforts.
The interview also touched upon the challenges India faces in achieving 100% universal immunization coverage. While the country has made remarkable progress, reaching 93% coverage, the remaining 7% often belong to marginalized communities in remote areas. The UNDP is working with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen last-mile delivery and enhance the efficiency of vaccine distribution systems. Digital platforms like the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) and U-WIN are playing a transformative role in this regard. The UNDP has also launched a new community-based initiative called the Community of Practice for Demand (CoP-D) to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
Lusigi has over 25 years of experience in socio-economic analysis, inclusive and sustainable national development policies, leading projects and programs, resource mobilization, and UN coordination. She is passionate about youth empowerment, gender equality, and leadership development. Prior to her appointment in India, she served as the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana from 2020-2024 and as a Strategic Advisor in the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa in New York since 2012.
The UNDP has been working in India since 1951, supporting the country's progress in various areas of human development, including systems and institutional strengthening, inclusive growth, sustainable livelihoods, sustainable energy, environment, and resilience. The UNDP's programs are designed to integrate a global vision for catalytic change with India's national priorities. The organization works across all states and union territories, collaborating with national and subnational bodies to prioritize outcomes that benefit people, especially those from vulnerable groups.
