WASHINGTON: Prime Minister’s Address at the UN General Assembly

WASHINGTON: Prime Minister addressed the
High Level segment of the ongoing 76th session of the UN General Assembly
(UNGA) on 25 September 2021. This was Prime Minister’s fourth address at the
High Level Week of the UNGA.

Prior to the start of his address to the UNGA, Prime Minister was greeted by
H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the General Assembly.

The theme for 76th UNGA debate is “Building resilience through hope to
recover from Covid-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet,
respect the rights of people and revitalize the United Nations”.

In his speech, Prime Minister touched upon several important issues confronting
the international community today:

> Representing the Mother of Democracy and based on his own experiences,
Prime Minister affirmed that democracy can deliver, democracy has delivered.

> His governance vision is one where no one is left behind through
integrated and equitable development.

> The impact of India’s development on global progress is evident –
when India grows, the world grows; when India reforms, the world transforms.

> India’s importance as a responder to natural disasters and a net
contributor to the security in the region and beyond.

> India will soon resume vaccine supplies to the world.

> India has been pioneer in transformational role of technology in
daily lives of crores of its people, while ensuring its democratic values.

> A diversified, resilient and expanded global value chain and
production centers is in our collective interest.

> India has a strong record on climate action and has an ambitious
vision, including for renewables and green hydrogen.

> Prime Minister cautioned against regressive thinking and
extremism, and proposed science-based, rational and progressive thinking. Using
terrorism as a political tool will backfire on those practising it.

> On Afghanistan, Prime Minister called for Afghan soil not to be
used by terrorists. Nor should Afghanistan’s predicament be taken advantage of
by other states. The world has an obligation to Afghan women, children and
minorities.

> India, during its Presidency of the UN Security Council, shaped an
important outcome document on Maritime Security. The international community
must speak in one voice to strengthen a rules-based world order.

> Oceans and their resources must be used, not abused.

> Oceans are also lifelines for international trade, and should be
safeguarded from expansion and exclusion.

> The United Nations must enhance its effectiveness and reliability.
There are questions on that count.

Despite operational challenges and scaled back nature, the 76th UNGA was an
important platform for India. As the leading voice of the developing world,
Prime Minister’s address at the High-Level Segment of the 76th UNGA provided an
opportunity to project India’s views on a range of issues from Covid-19 and
vaccine equity, international terrorism, Afghanistan, international peace and
security, reformed multilateralism and sustainable development. Our engagement
with the UN has also helped project our longstanding and growing credentials as
a South-South development partner, especially in the context of the India-UN
Development Partnership Fund, Financing for Development and India’s commitment
to the idea of global partnership under SDG 17 including on climate change.