14 January 2016: The Government of India and the leadership of India’s Assam State have initiated efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which took effect on 1 January 2016.

On 1 January, Assam State announced that it will formally adopt the 2030 Agenda as its official development pathway, according to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). Assam’s Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, said his ‘Vision Plan 2030′ for the State will focus on reducing poverty and ensuring sustainable development through afforestation, employment generation and pollution reduction, as well as a ‘Smart Village’ project.

The Government of India is collaborating with the World Food Programme (WFP) to eradicate hunger and boost food security, including in partnership with the private sector, according to the UN. Visiting India from 12-14 January, WFP Executive Director Erathin Cousin praised the Government’s contributions to achieving Zero Hunger globally by 2030, and underscored the importance of WFP’s work in achieving SDG targets on hunger and food and nutrition security. She added that WFP’s programmes support “innovative solutions to boost food and nutrition security.” Cousin signed a letter of intent with the Government of India to finalize a proposal to establish a Centre of Excellence on Food and Nutrient Security in India. [UN Press Release] [WFP Press Release] [SDSN Press Release]