UN Commends India for Being a Strong Advocate for the Global South

New Delhi: India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, highlighted India's ongoing support for South-South cooperation during the UN Day for South-South Cooperation. Harish noted that New Delhi has consistently supported the Global South and stressed the potential of South-South cooperation to strengthen ties among these countries, fostering mutual growth and addressing shared challenges.

"Guided by its philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or envisioning the world as one family, India has consistently championed the cause of the Global South. In our increasingly interconnected world, where global challenges recognize no borders, cooperation among nations has never been more vital," Harish said.

He added, "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. India's commitment to the India UNDP Fund and the IBSA Fund, along with our colleagues from Brazil and South Africa, is an example of our dedication to fostering global development and creating a more equitable and sustainable world for all. These funds have been playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development goals through South-South cooperation."

Harish detailed that the India-UNDP Fund, with USD 150 million, has supported 82 projects in 60 countries since 2017. The IBSA Fund, totaling over USD 53 million, has aided 46 projects across 35 countries for more than 20 years. "The funds support a broad spectrum of developmental areas, including, but not limited to health, education, gender equality, access to clean water, alleviating hunger, and environmental sustainability," he said.

The IBSA Fund, established in March 2004 by India, Brazil, and South Africa, became operational in 2006. Harish explained that these funds allow countries to tailor projects to their specific needs and priorities, ensuring alignment with their development objectives while respecting their sovereignty. "This approach ensures that the assistance provided through these funds aligns closely with the development objectives of partner countries and, most importantly, respecting their sovereignty and ownership over the projects. The commitment of the funds to the principles of inclusiveness, flexibility, and sustainability has demonstrated a path towards achieving the SDGs, even in the face of daunting challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic."

He added that the focus has been on integrating the perspectives of developing countries, including LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDs, with SIDs receiving major development assistance through 70 projects and LLDCs through 51 projects. "In terms of geography, we have 48 projects in Africa, 32 projects in the Asia-Pacific, and 41 projects in the LAC region. We are happy about our progressive involvement in the growth story and particularly thank the UN implementing agencies, the UNOSSC, for being our extended arm of friendship to the Global South partners."

Harish further stressed that despite global challenges and limited resources, initiatives like the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and the IBSA Fund serve as a beacon of hope. "It shows that when countries come together with a shared vision and a commitment to making the world a better place, remarkable progress can be achieved. We thank the UN agencies for their support as we move forward on our collective journey towards a more sustainable and equitable world," he added.

Earlier on September 10, Harish also met with incoming UNGA President Philemon Yang and assured him of India's full support for his presidency. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN posted on X, "#IndiaAtUN PR @AmbHarishP called on incoming President of General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang today. PR assured India's full support for his Presidency and conveyed his best wishes."

Harish recently presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN shared this moment on X, stating, “#IndiaAtUN @AmbHarishP presented his credentials as India's Permanent Representative to the @UN to UN Secretary-General H.E @antonioguterres. Glimpses of the ceremony.”