Lions International organises panel discussion on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Lions International today organised a second-round table discussion on the theme Corporate, Community and Sustainability – Agenda of today for a better tomorrow. The initiative will engage experts from varied fields to amplify the goals, identify possible roadblocks and strategize the way forward on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the global community at the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Summit.

Delivering the keynote address at the discussion held today in Mumbai, Shri Rahul Narwekar, Honourable Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly said, “Lions Club is fulfilling the aspirations and dreams of humans all over the world and I congratulate them on their several endeavours on making the world a better place. Lions Club works with governments around the world, and like Maharashtra and Indian governments I am sure all other governments must also be thankful. The main objective is to deal with sustainability and responsibility of corporates – it is a perfect breeding ground for ideas to help us create a better world. No walk of life can be kept away from the concept of sustainability. In the state assembly almost all sessions we have deliberations on various factors including floods, famines, farmer issues, natural calamities – the root cause lies in addressing issues of sustainability.”

Congratulating on conducting the deliberations on sustainability, special guest and honorary speaker, Smt. Harshita Narvekar, Social Worker and Corporator BMC, Mumbai said, “Good health, climate action, education are in line with the vision of our honourable Prime Minister. Sustainable cities and harmony with nature are my goals… Along with that focus on providing education, good health and well being, zero hunger are also my goals. Climate change issues require urgent attention. We have been promoting the Japanese method of plantation, the Miyawaki method of afforestation which is dense plantation. It helps in soil enrichment and prevents flooding. Climate change is the most significant threat being faced by the world. Mumbai will be hosting 3 working group committees under G20.Education, health and well-being and nourishment are my goals.”

A P Singh, International Third Vice President, Lions Clubs International, said, “For India to maintain its growth and emerge as a leading economic power, it must align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). With more than one-sixth of humanity calling it home, the sustainable development of Indians would mean fewer challenges and greater hope for the world as rightly pointed out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Summit. The need of the hour therefore is for the individuals, communities, organizations and businesses to step up and play a critical role in fostering sustainable development. By collaborating and working in tandem to address the issues we can create a more just and sustainable society that benefits all of us.”

“Focussing on achieving the most effective targets first will help us improve our standings on the overall SDG score. The round table discussion will deliberate on the goals, roadblocks and the means to overcome them. The learnings and outcomes from the discussions will play a positive role in powering India to the next level and will have an impact on the world economy”, Mr. Singh added.

“India as the world’s most populous nation can play a critical role in fostering sustainable development that benefits all of us by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The Indian dispensation is well aware of the impact the sustainable development of India will have on the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Summit had rightly pointed out that India growing sustainably means fewer challenges and greater hope for the world. It is now for individuals, communities, organisations and businesses to grab the opportunity to work in tandem with the government to achieve sustainability goals for the benefit of humanity.”

“While equally important, not all sustainability targets are equal when it comes to achieving them. Some would be more achievable while others might deliver more impact when acted upon. We must therefore develop a strategy on how we intend to work on the targets before us. The round table discussion will deliberate on the goals, roadblocks and the means to overcome them. The learnings and outcomes from the discussions will play a positive role in powering India to the next level and will have an impact on the world economy,” said Mr. Singh.

The next round of discussions will be held in Bangalore and Delhi where a panel of experts from various walks of life will engage with the SDG goals and share their valuable views and opinions on how to best achieve the goals.

The Lions International has always believed in need-based work to support communities, foster greater understanding and encourage global peace. Last year the Club helped more than 495 million people worldwide through its humanitarian service.

In India, the Lions Club operates eye hospitals, blood banks & dialysis centres, schools, vocational training centres and projects on protecting the environment. There are 80 lion districts at present in India and each district mobilises funds from donors and through contributions from Lions which are utilised in the various community and social development projects.