UNSC Open Debate on ‘The New Agenda for Peace – Addressing global, regional and national aspects of conflict prevention’

[21 August 2024]

Statement by Ambassador R. Ravindra, Charge d'Affaires & Deputy Permanent Representative

    Let me begin by congratulating Sierra Leone for the historic presidency of the Security Council. I would like to thank Sierra Leone for organizing this open debate and briefers for their insights.

2. We are living in a world that is increasingly divided. Some regions enjoy sustained levels of peace, security and prosperity while others fall into seemingly endless cycles of conflict and violence. Conflict settings in recent times have also become more complex and uncertain-particularly in parts of Africa and West Asia. Terrorists, armed militia, organized criminal groups with external support and misuse of emerging technologies is also having profound impact on conflict dynamics.

3. Thus, we need to recognize that conflict prevention is complex, multi-dimensional and it calls for a holistic approach. A comprehensive approach focusing not just on the political process, but on sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, is therefore inevitable. Resolution, reconciliation, recovery and reconstruction are also critical aspects of prevention strategies.

4. In this context, let me offer following observations for consideration:

i) India recognizes the primacy of national Governments and authorities in identifying and driving priorities, strategies, and activities for sustaining peace. What is needed is to work closely with Member States - in line with their national requirement and needs, rather than advocate prescriptions and solutions from outside.

ii) As the world’s largest democracy, we are convinced that representative and inclusive governance structures will help stabilize peace, safeguard fundamental rights, protect rule of law. Equitable development is also a key component for building and sustaining peace.

iii) A strong and effective partnership between the United Nations with regional organizations is a prerequisite, particularly in the context of Africa. Given the fact that nearly 70% of Chapter VII mandate resolutions are on Africa, Africa’s continued denial of representation in the permanent category of membership is a blot on the collective credibility of this Council. India has always supported the Ezulwini consensus and called for permanent African representation in an expanded Council. Those who continue to deny expansion of permanent category and Africa’s rightful place in it, must be called out.

iv) Terrorism is a global threat not only to peace and security but also to development. No global prevention mechanism can be complete without a comprehensive approach to counter terrorism. We reiterate the urgent need for comprehensive convention on international terrorism.

v) The prevention paradigm cannot ignore the resources needed for socio economic development. The governing architecture of the international financial institutions requires structural changes with more representation from the global south. Similarly, realization of unkept promises such as climate finance is needed.

5. India has always played an important role in both peacekeeping and peacebuilding. We have engaged in peacebuilding through extensive development partnerships with countries in the Global South. The cumulative value of India's developmental projects now exceeds US$ 40 billion, encompassing soft loans, grants, and capacity-building training programs. I would like to particularly highlight the India-UN Development Partnership Fund as a testament to India's unwavering commitment to multilateralism and global development.

6. At the 3^rd Voice of the Global South virtual Summit hosted recently by India on 17^th August, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi proposed a comprehensive Global Development Compact on behalf of India. The foundation of this compact will be based on India’s development journey and experiences of development partnerships. This is a testimony to India’s close partnership with the Global South.

7. Finally, we draw on our experience of both peacekeeping and peacebuilding, to caution that conflict prevention is best left to bodies mandated and configured to do so. Assuming such a role without any deliberation and preparation on the issue is a recipe for failure.

8.  Before I conclude Mr. President, we earlier heard a delegation again repeating their falsehood on my country. I will not dignify this falsehood with a response in the interest of time. Such remarks deserve nothing, except contemptuous dismissal. I thank you.

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