In combating terrorism and climate change, 2019 was a watershed moment for India: Syed Akbaruddin

United Nations, December 26: India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin has said that 2019 was a year of many successes for India at the UN, be it was its fight against terrorism, climate change or its efforts for sustainable development.

 

 

Talking to media, Akbaruddin said the year 2019 will be remembered as a watershed moment in India's fight against terrorism and its commitment to bring those responsible for terror attacks against the country to justice.

He said, succeeding to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar listed as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council signifies India's leadership in global counter-terrorism efforts. He further added that it was also for the first time, that the powerful 15-nation Security Council issued a press statement, condemning in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing February 14 Pulwama attack on CRPF convoy.

The Indian envoy to the UN said that it is also a year in which India was able to thwart some of the efforts in terms of trying to de-list Hafiz Saeed.

  

On the climate front, Akbaruddin said, “inauguration of a 50-kilowatt 'Gandhi Solar Park' by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also a first of its kind effort by India at the UN.” He said the gesture highlights India's willingness to go beyond the talk on climate change and its strong commitment to climate action and its focus towards renewable energy.

In yet another highly significant diplomatic win for India and testament to its global stature, India's candidature for a non-permanent seat in the powerful Security Council for the 2021-22 term was unanimously endorsed by the Asia-Pacific group at the UN.

The Ambassador said that the world body also took note of India's contribution towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly through its ambitious programmes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and the Aadhar biometric identity card that paves the way for financial inclusion for its over a billion-strong population.