Kathmandu, September 25

The global goals have gained new heights in Nepal with Yeti Airlines Domestic Pvt Ltd, a private sector domestic airliner, branding their ATRs with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

In partnership with the United Nations in Nepal, Yeti Airlines unveiled the SDG-branded rollout at the Tribhuvan International Airport today, as per a press statement. On hand to celebrate the launch was Yeti Airlines CEO Umesh Chandra Rai and UNDP Country Director Renaud Meyer.

“This is a powerful example to show the world that in partnership with the private sector, the sustainable development agenda can really take off. We are highly pleased to finally see these aeroplanes flying in Nepali skies spreading the messages on how we can tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges,” said Meyer. “In Nepal, we have been exploring ways in which the United Nations could help the local businesses grow more responsible and SDG-friendly. With Yeti, we hope to soon unveil equally inspiring joint initiatives that help Nepal meet the global goals by 2030.”

With its SDG-branded aircraft, shuttle buses, handy SDG leaflets, donate now link inclusion in Yeti Airlines official website, branding of the boarding pass and social media campaigns, the airline is expected to reach thousands of people with concrete and action-oriented messages on the global goals.

“The branding of our ATR 72-500 aircraft with UN SDGs logo demonstrates Yeti Airlines continuing commitment to promote them wherever possible and to do what it can to assist Nepal achieve them,” the statement has quoted Rai as saying.

The initiative is part of the Yeti Airlines’ ongoing partnership with the United Nations in Nepal for the promotion and achievement of the SDGs. Following an agreement earlier in May, the airliner and the UN in Nepal have come forward with a series of joint programmes and activities aimed at raising awareness on the SDGs and helping Nepal meet some of the global goals targets.

Adopted by the UN member states, including Nepal, in September 2015, SDGs, also known as the global goals, are a bold, universal agreement to end poverty in all its dimensions and craft an equal, just and secure world — for people, planet and prosperity — by 2030.

The SDGs 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, the statement adds.