General Assembly

General Assembly

Item 3: General Debate

7th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the

Right to Development


 

Thank you, Mr. Chair


 

Let me begin by congratulating you for your election as the Chair of the 7th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development.
 

Mr. Chair

 

2. The Right to Development is a noble objective. India has always been one of the strong proponents of the Right to Development. We had supported the HRC Resolution 42/23 which established the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development.

 

3. The last 3 years have been difficult, particularly for developing nations. The challenges of the COVID pandemic, rising prices of fuel, fertilizer and food grains, and increasing geo-political tensions have impacted our development efforts. In the backdrop of unkept promises, developing countries are also expected to bear the burden of developing climate resilience, industrialize without carbonizing, deal with increasing climate events and lift millions out of poverty - all at the same time, while managing disruptions and uncertainties in global supply chains. This is not an ideal situation for development. This difficult situation necessitates that we remain interconnected, and sensitive to developmental needs and follow non-discriminatory practices.

 

4. We should not forget the fact the development is a public good, and the Right to Development can only be realized by strengthening international cooperation and mainstreaming the issue among various UN bodies and development agencies. The implementation of the Right to Development can play an important role in recovery from the pandemic, in realization of SDGs and building back better.

 

5. In this context, we appreciate the work of the Expert Mechanism in line with its mandate. We have taken note of the thematic studies undertaken by the Expert Mechanism and look forward to the study on the theme ‘inequalities and the right to development’. We hope that this session and thematic discussions will take forward developmental agenda to the benefit of all. At the same time, we should remain cognizant of the fact that Member States are yet to agree on various processes related to our common Agenda.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

6. India is firmly committed to social, economic and political equality to our people through well-designed multi-sectoral interventions. The Indian Constitution and the wide range of existing laws and policy frameworks are aimed at reducing inequalities in its various forms and to meet SDG goals.

 

7. In its development partnerships, India’s approach has been consultative, outcome oriented, demand driven, people-centric, and respectful of the sovereignty of partner countries. The India UN Development Partnership Fund is particularly symbolic of our relationship with UNDP, because it is the first-ever single country South-South initiative. It currently extends to 70 development projects in 53 countries.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Before, I conclude, allow me, briefly refer to G-20, on the context of development.

 

8. India’s G20 Presidency is looking to steer G20’s action towards finding tangible solutions to contemporary global challenges, inspired by an inclusive and human-centric approach, aided by effective use of technology and driven by the need for sustainable development for all. Sharing our story, caring for all and taking collective action are the key underpinnings of our Presidency.

 

9. We are pushing for outcomes and progress in the work of the G20 to seek sustainable solutions for the multiple crises impacting the world, particularly those most effected in the Global South. I thank you.

 

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