Mr Samir Saran
Mr Shombi Sharp,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in our quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The SDG Progress Report shows that just 12 percent of the Sustainable Development Goal targets are on track.

Progress on 50 percent is weak and insufficient.

Worst of all, the world has stalled or gone into reverse on more than 30 percent of the SDGs.

It is important to remember, as United Nation’s Secretary General, His Excellency, Antonio Guterres appropriately said “SDG progress is not about lines on a graph.

It is about healthy mothers and babies; children learning the skills to fulfil their potential; parents who can feed their families.

It is about renewable energy and clean air.

It is about a world in which everyone enjoys human rights and human dignity.

The road ahead is steep.

But it is one we can and must travel – together – for the people we serve.”

India's journey towards the SDGs serves as an inspiring example of determination and ingenuity. 

India’s performance on SDG 1 is a testament to its resolve. 

While the number of people living in extreme poverty today is higher than it was four years ago and on current trends, only 30 percent of all countries will achieve SDG 1 of no poverty by 2030. 

India has remained committed to the cause. 

We are on track to reduce multi-dimensional poverty by at least half, much ahead of 2030. 

India is among the 25 countries that halved their multidimensional poverty within 15 years. A noteworthy 415 million people escaped poverty in India. 

India’s success can be attributed to its model of localization. 

With the introduction of national indices such as the National Multidimensional Poverty Index, SDG India Index and India Innovation Index we are not merely tracking progress; we are identifying the gaps, ensuring no one is left behind.

Home to almost one-sixth of humanity and some of the world's largest and most ambitious developmental and social inclusion schemes, India’s model can provide essential perspective on SDG localization. 

India opened over 450 million zero-balance bank accounts, with Aadhar reducing the cost of conducting e-KYC from 12 dollars to 6 cents.

This extended banking ability to millions of Indians facilitating financial freedom. 

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure is another such example of exceptional leadership.

According to industry estimates, banks’ costs of onboarding customers in India decreased from $23 to $0.1 with the use of DPI. The IMF also lauded India’s journey in developing world-class DPI and its powerful lessons for other countries embarking on their own digital transformation. 

These achievements are not mere statistics; they signify tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens, ensuring financial inclusion, access to clean energy, education, and preserving their dignity.

Now, fast forward to the G20 Leaders Summit in September 2023, under India's leadership. 

The summit put SDGs front and center underscoring the urgency in this ‘Decade of Action’ .

This landmark event marked a turning point, where global leaders recognized the urgency of our mission and committed to accelerating implementation under the G20 2023 Action Plan.

The 2023 Action Plan will achieve transformative impact on achieving the SDGs- including digital transformation; gender equality and empowerment of women; and implementing sustainable, inclusive and just transitions globally. 

As we navigate the challenging path ahead, let us draw strength from the commitment made at the G20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. It is there that our collective resolve was reaffirmed, and our dedication to accelerating SDG implementation was made clear.

Together, we have the unique opportunity to shape a brighter future, where energy transitions uplift livelihoods and enhance economic resilience. We refuse to make a choice between fighting poverty and protecting our planet; instead, we will pursue sustainable, inclusive, and equitable transitions that leave no one behind.

In this spirit of fostering transparency and sharing best practices, I am delighted to announce that we have just released a comprehensive report. Titled "Ideas, Innovation, Implementation: India’s Journey towards the SDGs," 

This report highlights 17 Indian lighthouse case studies undertaken by non-profit organizations and communities, all working tirelessly to advance the Sustainable Development Goals across a spectrum of areas, truly localizing SDGs in India. 

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Reliance Foundation, the Observer Research Foundation, and the United Nations India Office for this remarkable and inspirational achievement. It truly stands as a fantastic oeuvre.


Thank you.