Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government will promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI), data and technology in health, nutrition and education programmes as part of efforts to strengthen progress towards sustainable development goals.
The issues were discussed at a workshop on “Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals through Education, Health and Nutrition” held at Hotel Clarks Avadh in Lucknow on Wednesday.
AI and Data to Support Government Programmes
Principal Secretary, Planning Alok Kumar said health, nutrition and education are key areas for achieving sustainable development goals.
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He said sharing innovations and using data and technology could help develop strategies and improve the outcomes of government programmes.
Additional Chief Secretary Amit Kumar Ghosh (IAS: 1994: UP) also emphasised the use of technology and data while discussing challenges related to health and nutrition.
The workshop focused on:
- Using AI and data in health, nutrition and education
- Improving implementation of government schemes
- Strengthening monitoring and outcomes
- Sharing innovations and effective strategies
Focus on Child and Maternal Nutrition
Additional Chief Secretary, Child Development and Nutrition Leena Johri highlighted the need to strengthen Anganwadi services and improve implementation of programmes related to the health and nutrition of children and mothers.
The workshop also discussed issues including underweight children and deficiencies in physical development.
Former NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul said investment in health, nutrition and education was important for human development.
Education and Skill Development Linked to SDGs
Additional Chief Secretary, Basic and Secondary Education Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma described quality education as an important foundation for achieving sustainable development goals.
Principal Secretary, Vocational Education and Skill Development Dr Hari Om stressed the need to connect education with skill development.
Discussions covered measures related to:
- Increasing school enrolment
- Retaining children in schools
- Developing digital skills
- Improving learning outcomes
- Linking vocational education with skill development
- Addressing changing career and employment requirements
Professor Balwant Singh Mehta also spoke about changes in skills, employment and careers in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The workshop also examined measures to accelerate progress on sustainable development goals related to vocational education and skill development.
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