Rome/Bhubaneshwar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday took the stage at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) headquarters in Rome to share the transformational progress made by the state on strengthening livelihoods and food security with a specific focus on marginalised communities and women.
WFP Executive Director David Beasley and the leadership team of WFP were present at the event. Naveen also held interactions on existing partnerships and programmes that the Odisha government and WFP in India are collaborating on to deliver the common agenda of ‘Zero Hunger’.
“Over the last two decades, Odisha has been through a transformational journey in the field of food production, food security, livelihoods, disaster management and so on. By attaining food sufficiency, initiating large-scale development programmes designed around creating climate resilient livelihoods and nutrition, and focussing on partnerships, the state is moving consistently towards Sustainable Development Goals and inclusive development,” the Chief Minister said.
“It would be our pleasure to share our experience across the world through WFP and its partner agencies,” he added.
“It is a pleasure to welcome the Chief Minister of Odisha and share our impressions on the innovative work the state is doing in partnership with WFP in India. Our joint goal of strengthening livelihoods and food security across Odisha is being translated into action with a series of ambitious projects to support inclusive development and new economic opportunities, especially for women. It’s exciting to see how our collaboration is helping to drive Odisha’s progress towards achieving Zero Hunger and the other UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Beasley said.
Naveen also presented Pattachitra paintings to Beasley and Valerie N Guarnieri, Assistant Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme. The CM had also presented a Pattachitra painting, which depicts the ‘Tree of Life’, to Pope Francis, the Pope of Rome and Head of Catholic Church, during their meeting in Vatican City on Wednesday.
Also present at the WFP event in Rome were Manoj Juneja, Assistant Executive Director of the United Nations World Food, Bishow Parajuli, Representative and Country Director, WFP India and Himanshu Bal, Odisha State Head, WFP India.
Secretary to CM (5T) V K Pandian, Principal Secretary Food and Civil Supplies V V Yadav, Resident Commissioner Ravi Kanth were present during the deliberations.
