UNDP partners with OPA to host the 28th OPA Annual Conference 2015 on ‘Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Development’
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joins the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) to host the 28thAnnual Conference 2015 of the OPA under the theme ‘Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Development’ which will be held on the 21st – 22nd September 2015.As the development arm of the United Nations and a key development partner working close to 5 decades in Sri Lanka, UNDP signed a memorandum of understanding with the OPA to partner as the ‘Innovations for Development Partner.’
Development challenges are increasingly complex, inter-connected and the pace of change is unprecedented. As these changes affect all countries across the globe, it becomes more important for organizations to be able to respond to complex challenges with flexible, innovative solutions, and shift away from business as usual. Since 2012 UNDP has been investing in exploring innovation with the belief that innovation happens through practical explorations of new ways to address old problems. To drive this agenda, UNDP Sri Lanka is proud to have partnered with the OPA, as the theme is resonant with the goal of UNDP to integrate innovations in solving pertinent developmental issues in the country.
Speaking at the press briefing, Mr. Jorn Sorensen, UNDP Country Director stated, “Innovation is about empowering people, and UNDP is embracing the innovations agenda and working towards integrating innovations in our programmes.”Acknowledging the collaboration, Prof.RohanaKuruppu, the President Elect of OPA stated that, “This strategic partnership between UNDP and OPA, would bring the discourse on innovation to the forefront of the development agenda in the country, as the conference involves the participation of industry experts from a range of professions.”
Other speakers including Mr. K. A. KiththiPereraand Mr. RuwanGallage echoed similar sentiments in their statements, adding that the conference would make innovative practices within the corporate sector and industries more than just a buzzword, with the aim of inculcating innovative thinking to boost business practices and economy.
