India-UN Development Partnership Fund

– 6 years of Collaborative Partnership

Wednesday 29 November, 2023

ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters

- 3.00 to 5.00 PM

Remarks by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj,

Permanent Representative of India to UN in New York

The Deputy Secretary-General;

Excellencies;

Distinguished Diplomats;

Friends.

I am delighted to welcome you to this event today, as we commemorate the sixth anniversary of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. This occasion marks not just a celebration of enduring collaboration but a reaffirmation of India's profound commitment to South-South cooperation.

2. Allow me to make three quick points:

One, India's approach to development cooperation is truly exceptional, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kampala Principles, which he outlined in 2018 during his visit to Uganda. These principles underscore our vision of a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable approach to development, emphasizing national sovereignty, local ownership, transparency, and mutual benefit. As PM Modi eloquently stated, 'Our development partnership will be guided by your priorities. We will build local capacity and create opportunities on terms that liberate your potential and respect your autonomy.'

Two, we have walked the talk. Our commitment to the ethos of 'leaving no one behind' is not just rhetoric but a demonstrated reality. Over the past decade, India’s development partnerships have flourished, reaching 78 nations and manifesting in 600 projects that speak volumes of our goodwill and capabilities. From training over 200,000 individuals from 164 countries to dispatching 'Made in India' vaccines to around 100 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, India has emerged as a global beacon of hope and support. Our timely humanitarian assistance, spanning across nations from Afghanistan to Ukraine, Turkiye to Nepal, and our unwavering support to Gaza and the UNRWA, highlight our resolve in fostering global solidarity.

Three, the Fund itself. At the heart of our efforts lies the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, a catalyst in advancing sustainable development goals through the spirit of South-South cooperation. In its six years, the Fund has supported 76 projects in 54 countries, demonstrating the power of flexibility and tailored approaches in meeting the unique development needs of diverse nations. This Fund, covering a vast spectrum of areas including health, education, and environmental sustainability, is a testament to our commitment to multi-dimensional development, acknowledging that progress in one area is often interlinked with advancements in others.

3. One final word, in closing, Ladies & Gentlemen!

India stands as a pillar of leadership and advocacy for the Global South. In a world of shifting global dynamics, our nation has risen as not just a voice, but as a representative of the hopes and challenges of developing countries. Our leadership, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary guidance, is deeply attuned to the complexities and diversities within the Global South. We are staunch advocates for policies and initiatives that mirror the collective ambitions of these nations. India is committed to nurturing a global environment where every nation, small or large, economically strong or not, has the opportunity to prosper. Our proactive and empathetic engagement in international forums, our groundbreaking initiatives for sustainable development, and our steadfast commitment to fairness and justice, solidify India’s crucial role in forging a balanced and inclusive world order. This leadership transcends mere advocacy; it is defined by concrete actions that significantly improve the lives of billions, epitomizing the essence of South-South cooperation and global camaraderie. As articulated by our Prime Minister, 'one earth, one family, one future' drives us towards a future built on consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity, and capacity building.

4. In conclusion, I will extend my heartfelt appreciation to the UN Office for South South Cooperation for their exemplary management of the India-UNDP Fund. The recently unveiled 'Year-in-review Report', which I had the privilege of presenting alongside the President of the General Assembly, the DSG and the Director of the UN Office for South South Cooperation, offers a glimpse into the transformative impact of our collaborative efforts across the Global South. This report, soon to be shared with all Permanent Missions and available digitally on the UNOSSC's website, is a testament to our shared journey towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

Thank you!