Permanent Mission of India
New York

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Dialogue between Member States and Resident Coordinators

Resident Coordinators Global Meeting

Statement by H.E. Ambassador P. Harish, Permanent Representative

[October 16 , 2024; 10 am to 2 pm; ECOSOC Chamber]

Thank you, Madam Moderator, Team DCO and Resident Coordinators.

We appreciate the convening of this important dialogue.

2. Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, UN Development System (UNDS) has taken significant strides to adapt and respond to evolving challenges and opportunities for development cooperation. Last year, the Political Declaration of the SDG Summit, welcomed these efforts. Last month, in the Pact for the Future, world leaders committed to strengthen the UN Development System, including the resident coordinator system, and make it more strategic, responsive, accountable, collaborative and integrated in supporting developing countries in the achievement of the Global Goals. They also called for increased adequate, predictable and sustainable funding to achieve them.

3. In this session, we look forward to a meaningful discussion for the 2024 QCPR, to secure an effective, efficient and coherent UN development system, to support countries in their efforts to scale up action in the remaining years leading towards 2030.

4. First India acknowledges the ongoing efforts by the UN development system to reposition itself and consolidate reforms. However, these efforts must be reinforced even further to ensure the resources and expertise of the UN agencies are fully utilized at the national level, through optimized collaboration among UN agencies to meet the needs of the Global South, while addressing current, new and emerging challenges to sustainable development.

5. Second, India believes that the focus of UN development system should be an unrelenting resolve to eradicate poverty. It is equally important that the fundamental principles of national ownershipand leadership, and deference to national development priorities must be the pivots around which UN development activities are modeled and implemented.

6. Third, the UN system should be supported with adequate and predictable quantum of flexible resources. We note that the funding of the Resident Coordinator system is currently under the consideration of the Fifth Committee. The quantum and volume of resources must lead to improvement in system’s predictability and impartiality. Resources meant for core development programmes must not be diverted or re-purposed; else it will have a deleterious effect on the development agenda of the developing countries, in particular on LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.

7. Fourth, the mainstreaming of issues must be done in consultation with Member States, always within local context and keeping in mind the cultural sensitivities. There is a need for continued focus to achieve a geographic and gender balance at all levels of recruitment to the UN system, especially at decision making levels.

8. India has made 2030 Agenda a cornerstone of its development policies, with the aim of leaving no one behind. Comprising one-sixth of humanity, India is critical in determining the success of the SDGs, globally. While prioritizing sustainable development, we have tried to ensure human welfare, food, health and energy security, with a focus on women, youth and other vulnerable segments. By lifting 250 million people out of poverty, we have demonstrated that Sustainable Development can indeed be successful.

9. In a country like India, achieving the SDGs is only possible through localisation, given the diversity of issues and the magnitude of challenges, and we stand ready to share this experience with partner countries, including through the UN system.

10. The Government of India and UN in India have worked together to address our development priorities. The UNSDF (UN Sustainable Development Framework) serves as a partnership framework between India and the UN System and is being nationally executed under the overall coordination of NITI Aayog.

11. South-South cooperation is a key priority for India and was therefore at the heart of our G20 Presidency. India has shared its experiences and capabilities with partner countries in the developing world - including in digital public infrastructure, green energy transition and capacity builoding. OurIndia-UN Development Partnership Fund, has provided 150 million US dollars to support 87 projects in 57 countries.

12. We look at the Office of Resident Coordinator to be central in transmitting the positive stories and takeaways from our vibrant cooperation. Cross-pollination of best practices is a vital task of the UNRC. Our approach to development partnership will be human-centric, based on principles of mutual respect and national ownership with a commitment to sustainable development for all.

I thank you.