Permanent Mission of India
New York
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Interactive Dialogue with the UNDP Administrator

 Annual Session of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board

Statement by Ms. R.Mythili, Counsellor
10 June, 2026
 

Mr. President,

            We thank the Administrator for his comprehensive statement.

2. We align with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and our national statement is as follows:
3. We meet at a time of profound global uncertainty. Conflicts, climate-induced disasters, economic unrest and widening development gaps continue to threaten the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. As highlighted by the Administrator, development setbacks in one region increasingly have global consequences, reinforcing the need for strengthened international cooperation and solidarity.
4. India shares the view that development remains the most effective pathway to lasting peace, resilience and prosperity. Investments in livelihoods, institutions, infrastructure, education, healthcare and social protection are investments in stability and human dignity.
5. India welcomes UNDP's efforts to adapt to a changing development landscape and its focus on integrated approaches that connect policy, financing and implementation. We particularly appreciate the emphasis on national ownership and country-led development pathways.

Mr. President,

6. Development solutions cannot be imposed from outside. They must be designed and driven by national priorities, circumstances and capacities. In this regard, India reiterates the importance of respecting the development choices of partner countries and ensuring that multilateral support remains responsive to country needs.
7. India's own experience demonstrates that investments in skills development, entrepreneurship, digital innovation and financial inclusion can create transformative opportunities at scale. Through initiatives such as Skill India, Startup India, Digital India and extensive financial inclusion programmes, India has sought to empower millions of citizens to participate meaningfully in economic growth.
8. India remains committed to advancing sustainable lifestyles, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions. Initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure reflect our commitment to advancing climate action through international partnership and collective responsibility.
9. India deeply values its collaboration with UNDP in operationalizing the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, recognizing UNDP as a pivotal implementing partner in translating India’s commitment to demand-driven and inclusive South-South cooperation into concrete development outcomes. Through this Fund, India fosters sustainable progress across more than 70 partner countries, demonstrating the transformative potential of solidarity among developing nations. India firmly reaffirms that South-South cooperation is a cornerstone of the United Nations development system and an indispensable instrument for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, enabling developing countries to share knowledge, resources and innovative solutions tailored to their unique development priorities.

Mr. President,

10. As UNDP implements its new Strategic Plan, India encourages the organization to remain focused on its core comparative advantages: country presence, trusted partnerships, technical expertise and support for national development priorities. The challenges before us are immense, but so are the opportunities. By strengthening multilateral cooperation, respecting national ownership, promoting sustainable development and investing in people, we can build a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous future for all.
11. In conclusion, India remains committed to working constructively with UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS and all development partners to advance the 2030 Agenda and leave no one behind.

I thank you, Mr. President.