unga-president-dennis-francis-lauds-india-s-efforts-on-security-council-reform

President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis praised India for its active engagement in the reform of the United Nations Security Council, however, also acknowledging the slow progress on the matter.

 

President Francis emphasised India's commitment to a more ambitious timeline, aiming to conclude the reform process within two years.

 

President Francis, currently on an official visit to India from January 22 to 26, expressed his appreciation for India's efforts during bilateral discussions with the Indian leadership, representatives of the government, and engagements with civil society, think tanks, and events related to sustainability, multilateralism, accessibility, and digital public infrastructure.

 

Acknowledging the gradual pace of progress on Security Council reform, President Francis highlighted that Member States must demonstrate the political will to advance the reform process. He commended India for its active participation and stressed that true political commitment is crucial for rebuilding trust and revitalising international cooperation within the multilateral system.

 

During the General Debate of the General Assembly in September, world leaders emphasised the need to modernise the UN, including revitalising the General Assembly and reforming the Security Council. President Francis, approaching the Security Council reform within the broader context of UN reform, expressed determination to overcome divisions.

 

To facilitate ongoing intergovernmental negotiations, President Francis re-appointed co-chairs Austria and Kuwait to lead the process. He praised their admirable efforts in providing much-needed guidance to advance the long-overdue reform process.

 

India has long been at the forefront of advocating for Security Council reform, asserting its rightful place as a permanent member to better reflect 21st-century geopolitical realities. President Francis applauded India's exceptional leadership as a founding member of the United Nations, citing its contributions in championing democracy, promoting women-led development, and adopting the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

As part of India's commitment to Security Council reform, President Francis participated in a roundtable discussion organised by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in December. He lauded this as an example of India's exemplary leadership in addressing global challenges and maintaining a strong voice in multilateral affairs.

 

Highlighting India's unique position as a diverse democracy representing one-sixth of the global populace, President Francis emphasised its unparalleled role in the global mission to create a safer, more equal, and sustainable world. 

 

He praised India's recent G20 Presidency for ushering in the African Union as a permanent member, showcasing solidarity and cooperation across the Global South.

 

President Francis commended India's efforts in bolstering digital public infrastructure, innovative capacity-building, addressing the debt crisis, and providing assistance to developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. He recognized India's successful space missions as a testament to the power of science and technology when countries have equal access to resources.

 

Applauding India's significant decline in multidimensional poverty, with nearly 250 million people escaping poverty in the last nine years, President Francis commended India's commitment to inclusive growth and transformative change. He highlighted the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, supporting 76 projects in 54 countries, as a testament to India's vision of development.

 

President Francis appreciated India's commitment to international peace and security, with a legacy of substantial contributions to UN peacekeeping. India has contributed over 250,000 troops, the largest from any single country, with a focus on gender equality, deploying the first Female Formed Police Unit for the UN Mission in Liberia.

 

In conclusion, President Francis reaffirmed the UN's pride in partnering with India and acknowledged India's dynamic role in the Global South. He commended India's ability to channel funds where they are needed most, particularly in supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

 

The visit of President Dennis Francis underscores the importance of India's role on the global stage and its commitment to shaping a more inclusive and effective United Nations.