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

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

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

He ded, "South-South cooperation in particular offers potential to build stronger ties among countries of Global South, fostering mutual growth and dressing shared concerns. India's commitment to India UNDP Fund and 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. se funds have been playing a pivotal role in vancing sustainable development goals through South-South cooperation."

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

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

He ded that focus has been on integrating 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 Asia-Pacific, and 41 projects in LAC region. We are happy about our progressive involvement in growth story and particularly thank UN implementing agencies, UNOSSC, for being our extended arm of friendship to Global South partners."

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

Earlier on September 10, Harish also met with incoming UNGA President Philemon Yang and assured him of India's full support for his presidency. Permanent Mission of India to 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. Permanent Mission of India to UN shared this moment on X, stating, “#IndiaAtUN @AmbHarishP presented his credentials as India's Permanent Representative to @UN to UN Secretary-General H.E @antonioguterres. Glimpses of ceremony.”