Since 2016, The Eastern Research Institute of Positive Science (ERIPS) has been actively contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a range of impactful programs. By integrating the SDGs into its training, workshops, and strategic planning support, ERIPS has made significant strides in advancing global and local development objectives. Here’s an in-depth look at how ERIPS has supported each SDG through its initiatives.
- Eradicating Poverty (SDG 1)
Supporting Local Economic Development: ERIPS has been instrumental in assisting local governments to develop effective strategies for economic growth. By preparing five-year periodic plans for over 15 municipalities, including two metropolitan areas, ERIPS has helped create a framework for regional economic development. These strategies focus on increasing local productivity, discovering new economic opportunities, and ultimately reducing poverty.
Capacity Building for Economic Growth: ERIPS conducts capacity development programs that empower local governments to harness their strengths and address economic challenges. These programs help identify successful practices, understand their impacts, and apply these insights to create new strategies for economic advancement. The aim is to enable local governments to create sustainable economic environments that foster prosperity and reduce poverty.
- Ending Hunger (SDG 2)
Agricultural and Food Security Programs: While ERIPS’s primary focus has been on local economic development, its strategies indirectly support food security by promoting agricultural productivity and sustainable practices. By helping municipalities create robust economic plans, ERIPS contributes to improving food security and reducing hunger through enhanced agricultural practices and local economic growth.
- Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
ERIPS has significantly enhanced healthcare in Nepal by training over 3,000 nurses and medical professionals. In collaboration with the Nursing Association of Nepal, medical colleges, and the Ministry of Health, ERIPS has provided Appreciative Inquiry training focused on fostering happiness, responsibility, and accountability among healthcare workers. This training equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills and knowledge, leading to improved quality of healthcare services and better health outcomes for communities.
In addition to its training programs, ERIPS supports public health policies through strategic planning. By partnering with local governments, ERIPS integrates health considerations into development plans, ensuring that health and well-being are prioritized in policy-making. This approach helps create comprehensive strategies that address health needs and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
Enhancing Educational Quality: ERIPS has focused on improving educational quality through its Positive School Academic Leadership Development Training. This training program has been implemented in over 50 schools, targeting teachers, management committee members, and municipal authorities. The training aims to improve educational outcomes, strengthen institutional capacity, and foster a positive learning environment.
Supporting Educational Reforms: The training packages developed by ERIPS are well-regarded and serve as role models for educational reform. By equipping educators and school leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to drive positive change, ERIPS contributes to achieving quality education for all.
- Gender Equality (SDG 5)
Promoting Gender Balance: Gender equality is a core focus in ERIPS’s programs. The institute integrates gender equity principles into its capacity development and strategic planning processes. By empowering local governments to address gender discrimination and promote gender balance, ERIPS supports the broader goal of achieving gender equality.
Capacity Development for Gender Equity: ERIPS provides training that emphasizes the importance of gender equality and social justice. These programs help local governments implement policies and practices that support gender equity and create more inclusive communities.
- Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
Indirect Contributions: While ERIPS does not directly focus on water and sanitation, its capacity development programs and economic development strategies contribute to better infrastructure and improved living conditions, which indirectly support access to clean water and sanitation.
- Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
Sustainable Development of Infrastructure: ERIPS’s work with municipalities includes developing plans for sustainable energy and infrastructure. By supporting the creation of comprehensive development plans, ERIPS helps ensure that energy needs are addressed in a sustainable manner, contributing to the goal of affordable and clean energy.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Empowering Local Workforce: ERIPS’s training programs for engineers and government officials focus on promoting dignified work and creating inclusive cities. These efforts contribute to economic growth by enhancing the skills of the workforce and supporting sustainable development practices.
Economic Development Strategies: Through its periodic planning support, ERIPS helps municipalities create environments that foster economic growth and job creation. These strategies aim to promote sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work opportunities.
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
Developing Infrastructure: ERIPS collaborates with municipalities to develop periodic plans that include infrastructure development. These plans support the creation of resilient and sustainable infrastructure, which is essential for promoting industrial growth and innovation.
Supporting Engineering Professionals: By training engineers and other professionals, ERIPS contributes to the development of innovative solutions and the advancement of infrastructure projects that support industrial growth and technological progress.
- Reduced Inequality (SDG 10)
Promoting Social Justice: ERIPS’s capacity development programs emphasize social justice and equity. By working with local governments to implement strategies that address inequality, ERIPS supports efforts to reduce disparities and promote inclusive development.
Empowering Marginalized Communities: Through its programs, ERIPS helps empower marginalized communities by providing training and support that address their specific needs and challenges, contributing to reduced inequality.
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Building Sustainable Cities: ERIPS collaborates with municipalities to develop plans for sustainable urban development. These plans address issues such as infrastructure, energy, and environmental sustainability, contributing to the creation of resilient and inclusive cities.
Child-Friendly and Inclusive Cities: ERIPS’s training for engineers and government officials also focuses on promoting child-friendly and inclusive urban environments. This work supports the goal of creating cities that are safe and accessible for all residents.
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
Promoting Sustainable Practices: ERIPS’s focus on sustainable development and capacity building includes promoting responsible consumption and production practices. By integrating sustainability into its programs, ERIPS supports efforts to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
Climate Resilient Policies: ERIPS works with provincial and federal ministries of forest to develop climate-resilient policies and practices. This includes training forestry staff on climate change mitigation and adaptation, supporting efforts to address climate impacts and promoting environmental sustainability.
Forest Conservation: ERIPS’s collaboration on forest conservation initiatives helps protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to climate action and environmental sustainability. 
- Life Below Water (SDG 14)
Indirect Contributions: ERIPS’s primary focus is not directly related to marine conservation, but its emphasis on sustainable development and environmental protection supports broader efforts that can have indirect benefits for Lake ecosystems in Nepal.
- Life on Land (SDG 15)
Forest and Land Management: ERIPS’s work in developing forest conservation and land management policies supports the protection and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. This includes capacity building for forestry staff and promoting practices that combat desertification and preserve biodiversity.
Ecosystem Restoration: By supporting sustainable land management practices, ERIPS contributes to the restoration and protection of terrestrial ecosystems, helping to achieve the goals of life on land.
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
Promoting Positive Journalism: ERIPS collaborates with media organizations to develop positive and inspirational news. This work supports transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse, contributing to peaceful and inclusive societies.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity: Through its training programs for local government representatives and staff members, ERIPS strengthens institutional capacities and promotes effective governance. This supports the goal of building strong, accountable institutions.
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
Fostering Collaborations: ERIPS actively collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including NGOs, government bodies, academic institutions, and media organizations. These partnerships enhance collective efforts toward achieving the SDGs and drive positive societal transformation.
Integrated Development Planning: ERIPS’s work with municipalities and other organizations involves creating integrated development plans that align with the SDGs. This collaborative approach helps ensure that development efforts are coordinated and effective in achieving sustainable development goals.
Conclusion
ERIPS’s comprehensive approach to training, capacity building, and strategic planning has made a significant impact on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating SDGs into its programs and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, ERIPS supports local and global efforts to create a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future. Through its work, ERIPS contributes to poverty reduction, economic growth, quality education, health improvements, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, demonstrating a commitment to achieving global goals and fostering positive change in communities.
