Permanent Mission of India

New York

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Ambassadorial-level meeting on São Tomé and Príncipe

Statement by Mr. Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor

12 June 2026

Thank you, Mr Chair for convening this important meeting.

My delegation expresses gratitude to Hon. Minister of Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Women's Rights of São Tomé, for providing updates on the implementation of the ‘Conflict Prevention Strategy’ for the period 2025-2029, including key achievements, challenges, and priority areas for further action. We also thank the briefers for their insightful remarks.

Mr. Chair,

Peacebuilding is most effective when it is nationally owned, inclusive, and responsive to local needs and priorities. Additionally, national government priorities, rather than donor priorities, should guide the development and implementation of peacebuilding strategies. In this regard, we commend the efforts of São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen national institutions and invest in building national capacities and socio-economic resilience.

India also welcomes the efforts of the people and the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe to develop and implement their national peacebuilding strategy. We recall that in May 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe became the first country to present its National Peacebuilding Strategy plan to the Peacebuilding Commission. 

We note that the Government has advanced key priorities under the strategy, which aims to address the structural drivers of fragility and strengthen public confidence in State institutions.

We recognize the finalization of the security sector review in April 2026 as a key milestone, providing a comprehensive reform roadmap for the armed forces and police. We also note other institutional advancements, including efforts to expand access to justice and enhance maritime security.

India notes that the Peacebuilding Fund has provided $2.4 million in catalytic funding to support the national priorities of São Tomé and Príncipe, including the implementation of ongoing justice and security sector reforms. We encourage additional assistance to São Tomé and Príncipe to close the critical funding gap for implementing its peacebuilding priorities. 

Mr Chair,

India’s partnership with fellow countries of the Global South is based on mutual trust and on building instruments of empowerment and institutional resilience. We have been partnering with the UN with regard to development assistance in  Global South countries mainly through two facilities - first, the India-UN Partnership Fund with a total corpus of $150 million; and second, the India-Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Trust Fund. Both these facilities are demand-driven and managed by the UN Office of South-South Cooperation. Completed projects under these frameworks include one in health sector in São Tomé and Príncipe.

In conclusion, Mr. Chair, India will continue act as a force multiplier for all peacebuilding efforts rooted in national ownership and leadership. 

I thank you.