Permanent Mission of India
New York
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Adoption of the resolution on Revitalization of the General Assembly

Statement by Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative
05 September 2025

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation to you Mr. President and the two co-Chairs of the Ad-hoc Working Group. It was the tireless efforts of the PRs of Romania and South Africa and their constructive spirit of engagement throughout the negotiations that paved the way for adoption of the resolution by consensus.

2. There are several notable elements in the resolution. In this context, I would like to touch upon the following points briefly.

First, the resolution has reinforced the central position of the General Assembly as the chief deliberative, policy making and representative organ of the UN. India has consistently held that UNGA’s universality and inter-governmental nature impart centrality to this principal organ of the UN.

Second, the call to make the UN fit for purpose to meet the present and future challenges is timely. Reform is key to improving UN’s efficacy, legitimacy and ability to deliver. Its basic framework was drawn up eight decades ago. UN has to keep pace with contemporary reality and the UN and its principal organs must reflect today’s realities.

Third, the resolution endorses greater coordination between GA and other UN organs, namely UNSC and ECOSOC. Such enhanced coordination would be instrumental in addressing duplication of mandates. This is particularly significant at this juncture, as member states are working together on rationalization of mandates under the UN@80 framework.

Fourth, we welcome the emphasis on digital handbook on past practices, data and recommendations. This has been a useful repository that facilitates the engagement of member states with UNGA. It is important that this initiative is taken forward.

Fifth, measures recommended under working methods with the aim of improving the functional efficiency of the GA are noteworthy. Recent discussions among member states, including in the context of UN@80highlight the importance of focusing on operational efficiency. These measures are in tune with this approach.

Sixth, President of the General Assembly is a key institution of the GA. India continues to support this establishment in different ways. The resolution acknowledges the importance of this office and subscribes to strengthening its efficiency, transparency and institutional memory. India will actively contribute to this endeavour.

Finally, the principles of gender parity and equitable geographical distribution have been endorsed in case of selection and appointments at all levels in the UN. Implementation of these principles would project a more coordinated and coherent approach among the different verticals of the UN.

3. In closing, I would like to underscore India’s readiness to work with all member states to strengthen the functioning of the GA, while stressing the need for reforming the overall architecture of UN, particularly the Security Council since it is critical to maintaining UN’s relevance for international peace and security.

4. I thank you, Mr. President.

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