Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly for the General Debate in the 75th Session of the General Assembly, on Saturday. He is presently scheduled as the first speaker.
The theme of the 75th UNGA is “ The future we want, the United Nations we need, reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism – confronting the COVID-19 through effective multilateral action”.
Since the UNGA this year is being held in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is being conducted mostly virtually. Prime Minister’s address will therefore be via a pre-recorded video statement broadcast at the UNGA hall in New York.
Some of the priority issues for India during 75th session of UNGA are as follows:
- To promote strengthening of global action on counter-terrorism, India will push for more transparency in the process of listing and delisting of entities and individuals in sanction committees.
- Being one of the largest Troop Contributing Country, India will seek to engage intensively in finalising of mandates for UN peacekeeping mission.
- Continuing India’s active engagement on issues relating to sustainable development and climate change.
- Promoting India's role as a net health service provider, India will highlight contribution to global cooperation against COVID-19 by aiding more than 150 countries and as a pharmacy to the world.
- 2020 being the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, India will reiterate its commitments and achievements in women led development.
- India’s role as a South-South development partner, especially in the context of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
- Commitment to the idea of global partnership under SDG 17 including on climate change – founding of the International Solar Alliance.
- India will also be a non-permanent member of the UNSC for two years beginning 1 January 2020, where a 5-S approach of Samman (Respect), Samvad (Dialogue), Sahyog (Cooperation) Shanti (Peace) and Samriddhi (Prosperity) will be followed.
- India’s priorities are - inclusive and responsible solutions for international peace and security, effective response to international terrorism, NORMS (New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System), technology for all and streamlining of peacekeeping.
