International Conference on “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World Is One Family) - ECOSOC Chamber, UNHQ 10^th October, 2023 from 3.00-6.00 p.m.

Opening Remarks by

Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj,

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

It is my honour, Ladies & Gentlemen, to stand before you to discuss a concept as old as civilization itself, yet profoundly relevant in our contemporary world. A principle that transcends borders, outlives empires, and bridges the chasms between our diverse cultures…a philosophy that resonates with the spirit of unity, compassion, and cooperation…a philosophy deeply rooted in India’s ancient scriptures, one that we proudly embrace to this day—'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'The World is One Family.'

From the sacred Vedas and Upanishads, this phrase has traveled through millennia, reminding us that beneath the apparent divisions of nationality, religion, and culture, we all share the same human essence. Our fates are intertwined, our dreams interlinked, and our challenges interconnected.

The President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe,

The President of the United Nations General Assembly His Excellency Mr Dennis Francis,

Minister Suresh Prabhu,

Ambassador Vijay Nambiar,

Director General ICCR Kumar Tuhin

My dear Ambassador friends, and Distinguished Guests.

Let me invite you to a journey through some remarkable instances where India has not merely preached but practiced 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.'

Let's begin with the recent G20 summit—an event that showcased India's commitment to fostering a sense of global togetherness. Our leadership, marked by inclusivity and collaboration, saw the participation of 20 member states, nine invitee nations, and 14 international organizations. What is more, it witnessed the historic inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member, amplifying the voices of nations often left unheard.

At the G-20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of women-led development, highlighting that nearly 45% of STEM graduates in India are women. And indeed, 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' finds expression in the empowerment of women, who now play pivotal roles in India's space program, business landscape, and various fields.

Again, the Indian Prime Minister also highlighted India’s model of financial inclusion in leveraging technology to make development increasingly equitable. Using this model, India has transferred 360 billion dollars directly to the bank accounts of those in need over the past decade. As the World Bank has acknowledged, this model has successfully achieved a financial inclusion rate in 6 years which would have taken 47 years to achieve. If I may put this in perspective, according to industry estimates, banks’ costs of onboarding customers in India decreased from $23 to $0.1 with the use of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure.

Yoga, a gift from India to the world, also embodies this concept of unity. The International Day of Yoga, celebrated annually at the UN Headquarters, brings people from diverse nationalities together in a harmonious union of body and mind, emphasizing our shared humanity. This year #yogaday held a special significance as we were led by Prime Minister Modi himself, achieving a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest number of nationalities participating in a single yoga session.

In the face of global challenges, India consistently extends a helping hand. Our commitment to 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, as we provided vaccines and medicines to over 100 countries through the 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative.

Natural calamities are met with compassion as well. 'Operation Dost' saw India extending life-saving humanitarian medical assistance to countries like Turkey and Syria, reinforcing the belief that the world is indeed one family, and in times of need, we stand united.

Prime Minister Modi's launch of 'Mission LiFE' emphasizes the importance of mindful and deliberate utilization of resources to protect our environment—a testament to our dedication to a sustainable global family.

India’s friendship with the nations of the Global South is no less exceptional and inspiring. Our development partnerships have extended to encompass 78 nations across diverse regions. Within these collaborative efforts, we have initiated 600 projects, illustrating our goodwill and capacity. At the heart of our approach is the belief that progress should be inclusive and border-less. We have also offered training to 200,000 individuals from over 160 countries, always considering the unique needs of our partners. Our journey has been guided by the Kampala principles enunciated by Prime Minister Modi in 2018, which serve as the compass steering us towards our partners’ needs.

Now, one might wonder, in a world fraught with division and distrust, how can we genuinely realize universal kinship?

The answer perhaps lies in fostering understanding and empathy. Let us educate our young about diverse cultures, promote cross-cultural dialogues, and celebrate our shared humanity. Let us focus on our shared dreams and values, rather than the differences that divide us.

To bring my remarks to a close, Ladies & Gentleman, I would like to emphasize that "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" is more than a lofty ideal. It is a call to action, urging us to recognize our shared destiny, to come together in the face of adversity, and to build a world where every individual, no matter where they come from, is treated as part of this grand, global family.

Allow me to leave you with a though encapsulated in the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “The greatness of humanity is not in being human but in being humane.”

Thank you!