MP is example for other countries: UN representative Shombi Sharp

 

 

The representatives of the United Nations met Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, and Managing Director of the Board, at the office of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. The delegates included United Nation Resident Co-ordinator Shombi Sharp, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh State Representative Margaret Gwada, Chief of Staff Resident Co-ordinator Office Radhika Kaur Batra and United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) State In-charge Sunil Jacob. The delegates appreciated the hospitality of Madhya Pradesh and the efforts of the tourism department in promoting sustainable and women-safe tourism in the state. Shombi Sharp said that Madhya Pradesh is an incredible example not only for other states but also for other countries.

 

Talking to the delegates, Principal Secretary Shukla informed that the Tourism Board is continuously working on the project “Safe Tourist Destination for Women” to improve the safety of women and encourage solo women travellers to visit the state. She highlighted that under the Responsible Tourism Mission (RTM), 10,000 women are already being skilled to become frontline workers in the hospitality and tourism industry and pointed out that currently 40,000 women are trained for self-defense . He said that MP is already home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Sanchi, Bhimbetka and Khajuraho and 4 more sites including Orchha, Mandu, Bhedaghat and Satpura Tiger Reserves have been provisionally included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Gwalior has been selected under the Creative Cities Network. Shombi Sharp expressed gratitude to Shiv Shekhar Shukla for the warm welcome and hospitality and emphasised appreciation of the partnership between the United Nations and the Government of Madhya Pradesh to encourage collective sustainable development.

 

Sharp said that his first official visit to India was in Madhya Pradesh and he feels a deep connection to the state. He also expressed his desire to see the tigers, architecture and natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh, as well as to fly in a hot air balloon. Radhika Kaul Batra appreciated the determination of women towards the safe tourism destinations project and the work done in the field of women empowerment. He also expressed his desire to make another visit to the fascinating State of Madhya Pradesh. Additional Managing Director Vivek Shrotriya also welcomed the guests. Tourism Board Director (Skills) Manoj Kumar Singh said that on Tuesday, Shombi Sharp, Margaret Gwada, Radhika Kaur Batra and Sunil Jacob organised a program for women operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in collaboration with the Government of India under the Nirbhaya Fund. He encouraged the stakeholders of the Safe Tourist Places Project by talking to the girls getting training in various skills and connecting with livelihood at tourist places. He also discussed in detail with the representatives of the project co-operation organisations about the on-site processes of project implementation and also discussed with the representatives of the main co-ordination departments of the project, Police, Women and Child Development Department and Urban Administration and Development Department.