Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was important to “assess the UN's role and relevance in today's world” while making a strong pitch for a “reformed multilateralism”.
“Multilateralism needs to represent the reality of the contemporary world. Only reformed multilateralism with a reformed UN at its centre can meet the aspirations of humanity. Today, while celebrating 75 years of the UN, let us pledge to reform the global multilateral system. To enhance its relevance, to improve its effectiveness, and to make it the basis of a new type of human-centric globalisation," the PM said while addressing the high-level segment of the UN-ECOSOC session last week, the first time after India rejoined the UNSC for two years.
His virtual address was followed by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, who made a case for preserving the UN system and supporting it rather than changing it "unilaterally”. Modi started by strongly articulating the doubts being raised about the UN's effectiveness.
India extends Covid aid to over 150 countries
Modi said, “This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. It is an occasion to recognise UN's many contributions to human progress. It is also an opportunity to assess the UN's role and relevance in today's world, and to shape a better future for it.”
He cited newly launched Indian initiatives to set up the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure as practical manifestations of multilateralism in action to address climate change, which “brings together all relevant stake-holders for a comprehensive approach”.
The session was attended by Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres. Modi said, “We have always prided ourselves as the first responder in our region - a friend in need. Be it earthquakes, cyclones or any other natural or man-made crisis, India has responded with speed and solidarity. In our joint fight against Covid, we have extended medical and other assistance to over 150 countries. We also helped create a Saarc Covid emergency fund in our neighbourhood.”
Reminding the UN session that an Indian was the first president of the first ECOSOC, Modi highlighted the fact that India, one of the largest members of the UN system and the oldest, did not yet head even one of the bigger UN organisations. China heads three.
“From the very beginning, India has actively supported the UN’s development work and the ECOSOC. The first president of ECOSOC was an Indian. India also contributed to shaping the ECOSOC agenda,” the PM Modi said.
