United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

(ECOSOC Chamber, September 12, 2023, 3.00 to 4.30 pm)

Statement by Amb Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Greetings,

I extend my warm wishes on the occasion of the UN Day for South-South Cooperation.

2. In our increasingly interconnected world, where global challenges recognize no borders, cooperation among nations has never been more vital. South-South cooperation, in particular, offers the potential to build stronger ties among countries of the Global South, fostering mutual growth and addressing shared concerns.

3. India's commitment to South-South cooperation goes beyond mere policy; it is deeply rooted in our ethos and philosophy, which envisions the world as a single family. India has consistently championed the cause of the Global South. The G-20’s New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, adopted on September 9, 2023, addresses the concerns of fellow developing countries comprehensively. It places strong emphasis on sustainable and inclusive growth for the Global South, full and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including increased financing, improved medical supplies and production capacities in developing countries, the promotion of resilient growth by addressing debt vulnerabilities, accelerated efforts towards the Paris Agreement, reforms for more effective Multilateral Development Banks, enhanced access to digital services, and greater inclusion of developing countries' perspectives in the G20 agenda.

4. India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, emphasized at the B20 Summit on August 27, 2023, the need for a more diversified and democratic form of globalization. This new approach envisions multiple centers of production, not solely consumption, and emphasizes the urgency of creating more resilient and reliable supply chains.

5. India has backed its commitment to the Global South with tangible actions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided 'Made in India' vaccines to approximately 100 countries, and 150 nations received medicines from India, often referred to as the 'pharmacy of the world.' Our development partnerships have expanded significantly over the past decade, reaching 78 nations across diverse regions. The 600 projects we have delivered or are currently executing stand as a testament to our goodwill and capability. Recognizing the central role of capacity building in development, we have offered training to 200,000 individuals from over 160 countries. Our approach is guided by the Kampala principles, articulated by PM Modi in 2018, which prioritize the partner's needs. Throughout this journey, India has also been a source of innovative ideas and initiatives focused on the welfare of the Global South.

6. Driven by our foundational belief that India's development is inseparable from that of the rest of the world, we continue to collaborate with the UN and its agencies to elevate South-South cooperation. The India-UN Development Partnership Fund, a single-country South-South initiative at the UN, has successfully developed a portfolio of 75 development projects across 56 developing countries in just six years. This fund strongly addresses many of the contemporary global issues and their specific impact on developing countries.

7. Let us not forget that the challenges before us are immense and complex, while resources remain limited. It is during such times that the true strength of our partnership becomes evident. Let us persist in strengthening South-South Cooperation, for it has the power to positively impact countless lives, and together, we can forge a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you!