The recent address by the Indian Prime Minister (PM) at the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) highlighted several key topics, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, terrorism threats, climate change countermeasures and the need to safeguard maritime navigation freedom. The theme for this year’s UNGA is “Building Resilience through hope to recover from Covid-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations.”
About the United Nations General Assembly
The United Nations General Assembly is the primary deliberative, policymaking, and representative body of the UN. With representation from all 193 Member States of the UN, it is the only UN body with universal representation. Every year in September, the full membership convenes at the General Assembly Hall in New York for the annual session and general debate, attended and addressed by numerous heads of state. Major decisions require a two-thirds majority, while others are passed by a simple majority. The assembly elects a President every year to serve a one-year term. Recently, Abdulla Shahid of Maldives was elected as the president for the 2021-2022 76th session. Antonio Guterres has been reappointed as the ninth UN Secretary General for a term from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2026.
The Threat of Terrorism
The PM emphasized the growing risks posed by extremist ideologies and regressive thinking worldwide. He pointed out that many countries are using terrorism as a political tool and stressed adherence to UNSC Resolution 2593, which mandates that Afghan territory should not be used for threatening or attacking any country or sheltering or training terrorists.
The Importance of India
The PM underlined that one in six people worldwide is an Indian. Therefore, India’s progress significantly contributes to global development. He depicted India as the ‘Mother of Democracy,’ highlighting that democracy can help resolve numerous socio-economic challenges.
The Developmental Model of India
Using Deen Dayal Upadhaya’s Integral Humanism as reference, the PM outlined India’s development model, which aims for universal inclusivity. Examples highlighted included the Unified Payment Interface and Jan Dhan Accounts, which have expanded financial inclusion in India. More than 500 million people now have access to free hospital treatment through the PM Jan Aarogya Yojana, and the PM Awas Yojana is building approximately 30 million homes for homeless families. The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide piped clean water to over 170 million homes.
Tackling Covid-19
India has developed the world’s first DNA vaccine, suitable for everyone above 12 years old. An mRNA vaccine is nearing completion, and a nasal vaccine against Covid-19 is also under development.
Balancing Economy and Ecology
The PM noted that India is moving towards hitting a target of 450 gigawatts of renewable energy and is on track to become the world’s largest green hydrogen hub.
Ensuring Freedom of Navigation
Lastly, the PM highlighted China’s expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region and emphasized the need to protect oceans, critical to international trade, from expansion and exclusion. The broad consensus achieved during India’s presidency in the Security Council demonstrates the way forward for maritime security.
