Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Tuesday held a meeting with Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, to explore collaboration across key sectors including agriculture, tourism and renewable energy.
The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan in the capital, was attended by senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Vishal Kumar Dev and Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav.
During the discussions, Singh Deo highlighted Odisha’s role in contributing to India’s vision of self-reliance, noting the state’s progress in agriculture, industry and clean energy. He emphasised that agriculture remains a priority sector, with efforts focused on enhancing farmers’ income, promoting climate-resilient practices and strengthening value chains, according to an official release.
Tourism development also featured prominently, with both sides discussing the state’s cultural and heritage potential, including UNESCO-recognised sites and emerging destinations such as Ranipur-Jharial and Harishankar. The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need to balance global tourism ambitions with preservation of Odisha’s tribal and cultural identity.
The interaction also explored opportunities for deeper engagement with the United Nations in areas such as renewable energy, rural livelihoods and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Priesner appreciated Odisha’s progress in agriculture and energy transition, and expressed the UN’s willingness to support the state through technology transfer, capacity building and inclusive development initiatives.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation to position Odisha as a model for sustainable and self-reliant growth.
