India-led side event “India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development”

[Lotte NYP Hotel, 23 September 2023, 4.00-5.00 pm]

Remarks by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

----

Minister Jaishankar,

Respected Foreign Ministers,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to extend the warmest welcome to all of you. We are deeply honoured by your presence amidst us today.

As we navigate the complex terrain of international cooperation, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history, where solidarity, equity, partnership, and the sharing of best practices are the keys to unlocking our shared potential for a better future.

India's engagement with the Global South is not just a matter of policy; it is ingrained in the very fabric of our culture and philosophy. We envision the world as a single family, and this vision drives our unwavering support for countries in the Global South. In September 2023, the G-20's New Delhi Leaders' Declaration reinforced our commitment to the comprehensive development of fellow developing nations. It places a strong emphasis on sustainable and inclusive growth, full implementation of the 2030 Agenda, increased financing, improved medical supplies, debt vulnerability solutions, and more.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, India extended a helping hand by providing 'Made in India' vaccines to nearly 100 countries and supplying medicines to 150 nations, earning us the moniker "the pharmacy of the world." Our development partnerships have expanded significantly, reaching 78 nations across diverse regions. Over the past decade, we have initiated 600 projects that stand as a testament to our goodwill and capability.

Capacity building is at the core of our development philosophy. We have offered training to 200,000 individuals from over 160 countries, prioritizing the needs of our partners. India stands ready to share its experiences and expertise with the Global South. We are keen for an exchange of best practices between our countries, recognizing that there is much we can all learn from each other.

India's collaboration with the UN and its agencies has been instrumental in elevating 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 projects across 56 developing countries in just six years. These initiatives address contemporary global issues and their specific impact on developing nations.

In these challenging times, where resources are limited, the strength of our partnership shines brightest. We must persist in strengthening South-South Cooperation, for it has the power to positively impact countless lives and forge a brighter future for generations to come. As we embrace the motto of our presidency, "One Earth, One Family, One Future," let us continue to work hand in hand, recognizing our interdependence, sharing resources, experiences, knowledge, and best practices, and exhibiting strong solidarity as partners from the Global South.

Together, we can create a world where cooperation knows no borders, where mutual growth and shared concerns drive us forward, and where the Global South stands united for a brighter, sustainable future.

A united global south creates a brighter, sustainable future for all!

Thank you!

-----