UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations faces a “crisis of confidence” without comprehensive reforms, the Prime Minister Narendra modi has said, stating that the world needs reform multilateralism It reflects current reality, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges, and focuses on human well-being.
Prime Minister Modi’s call for reformed multilateralism takes on special significance as it comes on the eve of India taking a seat on the powerful UN Security Council as a non-permanent member elected for a two-year term from the January 1, 2021.
“We cannot combat today’s challenges with outdated structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence,” Modi said Monday in his video address to the high-level meeting of the General Assembly to mark the 75th anniversary of The United Nations. .
As the UN celebrates 75 years of its existence, the 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a forward-looking political statement that made a clear call to strengthen the mechanism to combat terrorism, reformed multilateralism, inclusive development and better preparation to face challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Noting that the declaration also recognizes the need to reform The United Nations Modi said: “For today’s interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism that reflects today’s realities, gives a voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human well-being.”
He said that India looks forward to working with all other nations to this end.
India has been spearheading decades-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying that a structure established in 1945 does not reflect contemporary 21st century realities and is ill-equipped to handle current challenges.
There is widespread support, including from four of the five permanent members of the Security Council (the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Russia) for a permanent seat for India on the Council.
India’s priorities for its Security Council term find “resonance” in the Declaration that echoes New Delhi’s call for a strong mandate against terrorism, reformed multilateralism and inclusive development. India’s overarching goal during its tenure on the UN Security Council will be to achieve the STANDARDS – a new orientation for a reformed multilateral system.
In the Declaration, Heads of State and Government categorically stated that the world today is very different from what it was when the United Nations was created 75 years ago.
“Our working methods must keep pace and adapt. We support the ongoing reforms of the Secretary-General … We reiterate our call to reform three of the main organs of the United Nations. We pledge to breathe new life into discussions on Security Council reform and to continue work to revitalize the General Assembly and strengthen the Economic and Social Council. ”
Addressing the special UN 75th anniversary commemorative event, Modi said: “75 years ago, a new hope emerged from the horrors of war. For the first time in the history of mankind, an institution was created for everyone ”.
He said that, as a founding signatory to the UN Charter, India was part of that noble vision, which reflected India’s own philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam‘, who views all of creation as a family.
“Our world today is a better place because of the United Nations,” the prime minister said.
It paid tribute to all those who have promoted the cause of peace and development under the UN flag, including in UN peacekeeping missions, where India has been a prominent contributor.
India is one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, having provided more than 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 peacekeeping missions commissioned over the past six decades.
India has lost more peacekeepers in the line of duty than any other UN member state and in the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilians have lost their lives while serving on maintenance missions. of UN peace around the world.
Modi emphasized that while much has been accomplished, the original mission remains incomplete. “The far-reaching Declaration we are adopting today recognizes that there is still work to be done to prevent conflict, ensure development, address climate change, reduce inequality and take advantage of digital technologies,” he said.
In the Declaration, the Heads of State and Government undertake to leave no one behind, protect the planet, promote peace and prevent conflicts, respect international law and guarantee justice, place women and girls at the center , build trust, enhance digital cooperation, improve the United Nations, ensure sustainable funding, boost partnerships, listen and work with young people and be prepared.
This year’s UN High-Level General Assembly is being held in a largely virtual format as world leaders did not travel to New York for the annual meeting due to the coronavirus pandemic. Heads of State and Government and Ministers sent pre-recorded video statements for the high-level week, including the special commemoration of the 75 years of the UN and the General Debate.
The Permanent Representative of India to the UN Ambassador TS Tirumurti presented the pre-recorded statement of Prime Minister Modi of the UN General Assembly Living room.
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