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WRI India signs MoU with KILA

Dr OP Agarwal, CEO, WRI India signs the MoU

On 12 October 2021, WRI India (WRII) signed an MoU with Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) with the aim to facilitate and accelerate KILA’s vision towards the socio-economic development of the Kerala through strengthening the Local Self Government Institutions (LSGIs). The MoU was signed by Dr. O.P. Agarwal (CEO, WRI India) and Dr. Joy Elamon (Director General, KILA). Dhilon Subramanian, Senior Project Associate, Energy Program, WRI India, Dr. Ajith Kaliyath, Urban Chair Professor, Dr. Monish Jose, Assistant Professor, Public Administration and Ms. Salini K.S, Lecturer were present at the time of the signing.

With this collaboration, WRII with its strength in putting research-based ideas into action will support capacity building trainings through knowledge sharing and integrating best practices within the local self - governments and concerned government stakeholders of Kerala.

As a Government of Kerala supported nodal agency for training, research, and consultancy, KILA is committed to strengthen the decentralized planning process and undertake action-oriented research activities to support Local Self-government Institutions (LSGIs). Under this joint-effort, KILA will ensure the participation of staffs and resources for a holistic development of the government stakeholders.

“Local governments and its’ officials are drivers of sustainable development. In India, Kerala Institute of Local Administration has pioneered such efforts. The collaboration between WRI India and KILA will further such goals and facilitate training and capacity building of these government stakeholders. It is backed by WRI’s extensive research, with an aim to build a resilient and energy-conscious future for Kerala.”, said Dr. OP Agarwal, CEO, WRI India. Speaking at the signing, Dr. Joy Elamon, Director General, KILA, said, “This MoU with WRI will strengthen our efforts towards building the capacity and research capabilities of the local government functionaries of Kerala, pushing towards developing a robust energy sector in the state.”

WRI India team at the MoU signing

This partnership aims to serve as a flagship or a model to demonstrating to other states and cities of India, that focussed and effective capacity building at local self-government level could lead to sustainable and inclusive development.

About Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA)

Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) is an autonomous institution functioning for the Local governments in Kerala. It was registered under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act 1955. The Central university of Kerala has recognised it as a Research centre attached to the Department of International Relations w.e.f 14 July 2014. Ever since its inception in 1990, KILA has been engaged in myriad of capacity building interventions on local governance and decentralization; including training, action-research, publications, seminars and workshops, consultancy, documentation, handholding and information services.

About the World Resource Institute, India (WRII)

WRI India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Our work focuses on building sustainable and liveable cities and working towards a low carbon economy. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India puts ideas into action to build transformative solutions to protect the earth, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being. We are inspired by and associated with World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization with more than 400 experts and other staff around the world.

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