Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a virtual keynote address at the high-level segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) on July 17. The session was held on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
The address was PM Modi’s first speech at the UN after India’s elections to the Security Council. He was joined by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Norway PM Erna Solberg.
The theme of the High-Level Segment which is held annually by ECOSOC is “Multilateralism after COVID 19: What kind of UN do we need at the 75th anniversary”. PM Modi had earlier delivered his address at the 70th anniversary of ECOSOC on January 22, 2016.
PM Modi in his virtual address lauded India's Health care system and He also added the motto 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwas', which defines India's principle of leaving no one behind.
#WATCH LIVE: PM Narendra Modi delivers keynote address virtually at High-Level Segment of UN Economic and Social Council Session https://t.co/LNRVANza0B
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020
PM Modi at UN ECOSOC: Key Highlights
• In his speech PM Modi highlighted the medical assistance given by India to 150 countries in a fight against COVID-19.
• In his virtual address, he focused on the UN's role and how the expectations of the member countries have grown from the organization as the UN brings together 193 member countries for the event.
Today, the United Nations brings together 193 member countries. Along with its membership, the expectations from the organisation have also grown: PM Narendra Modi at the High-Level Segment of the UN Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) Session, 2020, via video conference pic.twitter.com/fq3TjQ6u0w
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020
• PM Modi also recalled India's contribution to the ECOSOC while mentioning that India was among the 50 founding members of the United Nations immediately after the Second World War in 1945. He added that a lot has changed and from the very beginning India has actively supported the development work of the UN and the ECOSOC.
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: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/i8LvWVJhiT
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020
• In his first address since India was elected as the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, PM Modi made sure to recognize the country's role in the global stage. He mentioned that India is home to one-sixth of humanity who is mindful of its responsibility and weight.
• PM Modi asserted India's deep commitment to maintaining harmony, preserving social balance, and in improving socio-economic equity. He also encouraged that COVID-19 must be taken as an opportunity for the rebirth and reform of the United Nations and we must not miss this chance.
• In the virtual address, Prime Minister also assured that India will play its role of completely supporting the United Nations' agenda amid the crisis.
• While acknowledging that the pandemic has tested the resilience of all the nations, PM Modi highlighted that India has tried to make this fight against the pandemic a people's movement by combining all the efforts of the civil society and government.
#COVID19 pandemic has severely tested the resilience of all nations. In India, we have tried to make the fight against the pandemic a people's movement, by combining the efforts of Government and civil society: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/8Vx1KljLG3
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020
India's role in Agenda 2030 and SDG:
In his keynote address at UN ECOSOC, on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, PM Modi highlighted India's role in achieving Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals.
While mentioning India's role, he mentioned that India has also been supporting other countries in meeting their Sustainable Development Goals.
Today, through our domestic efforts, we are again playing a salient role in achieving Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. We are also supporting other developing countries in meeting their Sustainable Development Goals: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/bokRVdEuYj
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020
Significance:
The event that was held on July 17 has its special significance as this was the first opportunity wherein PM Modi addressed the broader UN membership since India’s election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council on June 17, 2020 (for the term 2021-22).
India winning as the non-permanent member in UNSC:
On June 17, 2020, India won the non- permanent seat for the eighth time with 184 votes out of the total 192 polled.
India emerged as the single endorsed candidate from the Asian Pacific regional group. There has been a larger push for the country to be made a permanent member of the five nation-apex groupings, which comprises the UK, the US, China, Russia, and France.
About the UN Economic and Social Council:
The first meeting of UN ECOSOC was held on January 23, 1946, in London. India was the first President of ECOSOC in 1946 and the inaugural presidency of ECOSOC was held by Shri Ramaswami Mudaliar of India.
The organisation was established as one of the six principal organs of the UN and has been mandated to undertake the coordination of and to offer direction to, the social, economic, and cultural activities of the United Nations. It also has a responsibility for advancing International social and economic cooperation and development.
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