PM Modi calls for Reformed Multilateralism in post-COVID: Key points of his address at UN ECOSOC

New Delhi, July 18: Pointing out that multilateralism can meet the aspirations of humanity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India firmly believes that the path to achieving sustainable peace and prosperity is through multilateralism while addressing virtually at this year’s High-Level Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) session.

 

The theme of the ECOSOC this year was “Multilateralism after COVID19: What kind of UN do we need at the 75th anniversary”. Coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the UN, this theme also resonates with India’s priority for its forthcoming membership of the UN Security Council. Prime Minister batted for a ‘reformed multilateralism’ in a post-COVID-19 world that reflects the realities of the contemporary world.

 

 

PM Modi stated at the virtual summit, "India firmly believes that the path to achieving sustainable peace and prosperity is through multilateralism. As children of planet Earth, we must join hands to address our common challenges and achieve our common goals. However, multilateralism needs to represent the reality of the contemporary world. Only reformed multilateralism with a reformed United Nations at its center can meet the aspirations of humanity."

 

PM Modi insisted all the participating nations to pledge to reform the global multilateral system. "While celebrating 75 years of the United Nations, 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 globalization

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Referring to the increasing cases of coronavirus pandemic that has affected 185 countries in the world, he said, "The United Nations was originally born from the furies of the Second World War. Today, the fury of the pandemic provides the context for its rebirth and reform. Let us not lose this chance."

 

 

PM Modi called for India’s developmental motto that resonates with the core SDG principle of leaving no one behind. "Our motto is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwas'- meaning 'Together, for everyone's growth, with everyone's trust'. This resonates with the core SDG principle of leaving no one behind. Be it access to nutrition, health education, electricity, or housing - we are making great progress through our inclusive programs," he said.

 

Further, he added that spoke about India’s ongoing development efforts, including for improving access to sanitation through the "Swacch Bharat Abhiyan", empowering women, ensuring financial inclusion, and expanding the availability of housing and healthcare through flagship schemes such as the "Housing for All" program and the "Ayushman Bharat" scheme. "Today, our ‘Ayushmaan Bharat’ scheme is the world's largest health protection program, covering 500 million individuals. In the fight against COVID, our grass-roots health system is helping India ensure one of the best recovery rates in the world," he said.

 

Prime Minister also threw light on India’s focus on environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation and recalled India’s leading role in the establishment of the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Speaking about India’s role in its region as a first responder, Prime Minister recalled the support provided by the Indian government and Indian pharma companies for ensuring medicine supplies to different countries, and for coordinating a joint response strategy among SAARC countries.

 

This was the second time that Prime Minister addressed the ECOSOC. He had earlier delivered the keynote address at the 70thanniversary of the ECOSOC in January 2016. However, this was the first address by PM to the broader UN membership since India’s overwhelming election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council on 17th June, for the term 2021-22.