OdishaPlus Bureau
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented challenge for governments worldwide. Monika O. Nielsen, Chief of Field Office – UNICEF, Odisha speaks about the need to build back better and create an inclusive and sustainable future.
“COVID-19 has affected every individual. Right now we have to think about how we can prepare for tomorrow and rebuild our lives,” said Monika O. Nielsen giving her insights in the 12th episode of Kete Nua Bata titled ‘Building Back Better’, produced by OdishaLIVE and Swasthya Plus with support from UNICEF, Odisha.
Building a Sustainable Future
As COVID-19 has thrown our lives out of gear – the environment has shown signs of temporary recovery across the world with reduced human activities. As we recover from the crisis, there is a strong need for decisive actions to consolidate these gains made. “Given the current situation, we must focus on protecting the environment and pursuing sustainable development for the cause of future generations,” stresses Monika O. Nielsen.
Protecting the Vulnerable
The steady recovery of economies and the ‘new normal’ should incorporate the lessons we have learnt and improve our social and economic systems.
“It’s important that we take the vulnerable and marginalised people along with us. COVID-19 has shown how migrant workers lost their livelihoods overnight and had to face adversities to make their journeys back home,” she remarked. The pandemic has provided us with an opportunity to reflect and build better systems and policies that focus on inclusive social and economic development.
Education & Child Protection
COVID-19 has adversely affected children, disrupting their education as well as a sense of normalcy. While children were encouraged to get together and play, the pandemic has mostly kept them inside the confines of their homes.
In Odisha, UNICEF is working with the state government to support the protection, education, and growth of children in the state. Similarly, UNICEF is working with its partners to ensure that vulnerable children such as children living in institutions receive adequate care and support.
Partnerships for Change
The pandemic has compelled as well as encouraged institutions and individuals globally to work together and solve the problems they face. These partnerships have supported action as well as brought people together in times of uncertainty and fear. In Odisha, citizens, the private sector, the government and non-governmental organisations are working together to comprehensively respond to COVID-19 and support the vulnerable.
Each episode of the radio & digital series “Kete Nua Bata” contains new topics and the stories of COVID warriors. The 12th episode deals with ‘COVID-19: Building Back Tomorrow’. ‘Keta Nua Bata’, written and produced by Nilambar Rath, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, OdishaLIVE will have 13 episodes and shall go on air till August 23, 2020. As a part of the campaign, the media partners are carrying a series of stories across more than ten web and social channels. UNICEF’s popular animation and audio series, titled ‘Meena’, is also being disseminated under the ‘Kete Nua Bata’ campaign.
