New Delhi: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Haryana -based O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) and Unicef-Bhutan to assist elected representatives and policymakers in the Buddhist kingdom apply social policies in a well-organized way.

“The partnership on the certificate programme on social policy aims to prepare parliamentarians, civil servants and professionals in policy leadership along with practical skills and rigorous analysis in designing and implementing of social policies through evidence building,” a university statement said on Thursday.

Inaugurated on January 21, the programme from JGU’s School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP) in an institutional alliance with Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), will continue till February 6 in Bhutan’s Kanglung province.

According to Shaheen Nilofer, resident representative of UNICEF-Bhutan, the partnership aims at transformative leadership at all levels to design and implement effective and evidence-based policymaking for positive change.

“Since Bhutan is in transition to become a middle income country in the next few years with a strong commitment towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this programme will ensure specific focus on equity and efficient service delivery for children, women and vulnerable population groups,” she said.

Dasho Nidup Dorji, vice chancellor of RUB, expressed enthusiasm over the unique tripartite affiliation between UNICEF, JSGP and RUB in transforming the public sector management through capacity building, saying that this development will promote regional co-operation in knowledge exchange.

Professor Sudarshan Ramaswamy, dean at JSGP, said the collaborative venture holds the promise of generating fresh approaches to policymaking.

The 15-day executive programme is structured to deliver both classroom as well as practical learning through webinars, discussion on real case scenarios and thematic debates.