Yeti Airlines and the United Nations have entered into a new partnership for the promotion and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nepal. The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, are a set of bold, universal agreements to end poverty in all its dimensions and craft an equal, just and secure world—for the people, the planet and prosperity—by2030. 

Under the partnership, the UN and Yeti Airlines will collaborate to undertake joint initiatives to raise awareness on the SDGs and mobilise relevant stakeholders and advocate for their contribution to the achievement of the Goals. 

The partnership will also explore, adopt and promote innovative and sustainable business models in the aviation and tourism industry that will help Nepal meet some specific SDG indicators in the areas of climate change adaptation, poverty reduction and gender equality.

The SDGs and the Agenda 2030—adopted by UN Member States, including Nepal, in September 2015—recognise the private sector as one of the key partners in advancing the Global Goals. The private sector has significant potential to bring in resources, technology and innovation to aid and accelerate the SDG implementation process. UNDP Nepal Country Director Renaud Meyer and Yeti Airlines CEO Umesh Chandra Rai signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the partnership at the UN House in Pulchowk, Lalitpur.  

“The United Nations in Nepal is pleased and excited to have the Yeti Airlines as our first private sector partner for the Global Goals in Nepal. This has certainly given a very positive message to the development and business communities in Nepal and the world over about the important role the private sector can play in advancing the SDGs,” said UNDP Nepal Country Director Renaud Meyer. He added, “SDGs are the responsibility of not just the government and UN agencies but everyone, including the private sector and the civil society. 

Achieving these Goals in each country will depend on collaborative partnerships between all the stakeholders at all levels and stages of programmatic cycle—planning, implementation and monitoring. And the United Nations is here to support and facilitate this process.”

Yeti Airlines CEO, Umesh Chandra Rai agreed with Meyer’s statement.

He said, “Giving back to the society in every possible way has been a part of our regular practice and initiative, as flying is not the only thing we do”.

“As a company doing responsible business, we are glad to have this opportunity to work together with the United Nations for the global cause. At this moment, we would also like to call on and encourage others from the private sector to join hands with the United Nations and the government to help make the SDGs a reality.”