XIMB: Meeting of State-Level Multi-Stakeholder Forum on MDG 2 held

In order to assess Orissaas progress and to suggest measures to accelerate the process of achieving MDGs in Orissa, Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB) and UNICEF, Orissa have taken the lead to form a State-Level Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This forum consists of representatives from the government, international agencies, civil society organizations, corporates, academia, political party and media. The first meeting of this Forum was held on December 17, 2008 at XIMB.

The second meeting of the forum was held on February 16, 2009 and it was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Ms Vandana Jena, IAS, Principal Secretary, School and Mass Education Department. The meeting was attended by Mr Aurobindo Behera, IAS, MD, Industrial Development Corporation, Guest of Honor and Mr Shadrack Omol, Chief UNICEF, Guest of Honor. Fr Blacius Ekka, XIMB. The key-note address was delivered by Mr Shadrack Omol.

A status note was presented by Prof S Peppin, XIMB followed by a short video documentary on MDG 2 by Mr Prosun Sen, UNICEF. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr Dhanada Mishra, HDF. The panel formulated and submitted an Action Plan to accelerate the realization of MDG2. The members who participated in the panel discussion include Mr Nikunj Dhal, IAS, State Project Director, OPEPA, Mr Surjayakant Mohanty, Centre Head, Wipro, Fr. Blacius Ekka, XIMB, Fr. Panka Toppo, XIMB, Dr Rashmi Mishra, Faculty, NCDS and Mr. Ranjan Mohanty, Secretary, PECUC. Faculty members from XIMB, Human Development Foundation (HDF), Utkal University and other members from civil society, media and UNICEF. Dr. Mamata Mishra, Senior Research Assistant, XIMB proposed the vote of thanks.