India’s Vision for Global Peace and Development at the 79th UN General Assembly

Dr. Jaishankar’s address to the UNGA was a comprehensive vision for tackling global challenges through inclusive development, digital transformation, and multilateral reform. India’s experience, leadership, and commitment to the well-being of the global commons make it a key player in shaping a more just and equitable world. As he reiterated, the time for change is now, and India is ready to play its part.

 

On September 28, 2024, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, delivered an address at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York. Representing the voices of 1.4 billion people, he articulated India’s vision for a more equitable and just world, highlighting the importance of leaving no one behind in the global development agenda.

A World in Crisis

Dr. Jaishankar began by acknowledging the pressing challenges the world faces today. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prolonged war in Ukraine, and the escalating conflict in Gaza were just a few examples of the crises contributing to global instability. Beyond these conflicts, he emphasized the struggles of the Global South, whose development plans have been derailed, with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) drifting out of reach.

He pointed to several systemic issues aggravating the situation, such as unfair trade practices, unsustainable debt levels, and rising concerns over technological advancements. Climate change, food security, and health security are also growing threats that have polarized and fragmented international cooperation.

The Erosion of Trust and the Need for Reform

Dr. Jaishankar’s address took a reflective tone as he spoke about the erosion of trust and the breakdown of international processes. He highlighted that multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations, are struggling to address the multifaceted problems of the modern world. Structural shortcomings and political self-interest have left many countries, especially in the developing world, behind. In his view, reforming multilateralism is not a choice but an imperative.

He urged the international community to reform global governance, making it more inclusive, responsive, and effective. “Leaving no one behind,” as the UNGA’s theme suggests, requires addressing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity with a renewed sense of urgency.

India’s Response to Global Challenges

Dr. Jaishankar outlined India’s proactive approach to addressing the world’s challenges, emphasising five key areas of focus:

1. Empowering Vulnerable Populations: India has implemented targeted policies to uplift women, farmers, and youth. Initiatives like assured access to piped water, electricity, and housing have transformed millions of lives. The nation’s emphasis on skilling youth and closing gender gaps in education, health, and the workplace reflects its commitment to inclusive development.
2. Promoting Employment and Entrepreneurship: With an emphasis on entrepreneurship, India has provided 495 million Mudra loans to small businesses, 67% of which have gone to women. This reflects a broader commitment to economic empowerment and the expansion of opportunities. Programs like the Svanidhi scheme have supported millions of street vendors, further advancing financial inclusion.
3. Sharing Best Practices: India has created replicable templates in areas such as digital delivery and accessible healthcare. The country’s digital public infrastructure and affordable medicines have become models for the world, showcasing how technology can be harnessed to empower rather than dominate.
4. Championing the Global South: India has been a vocal advocate for the Global South, convening three Global South Summits to unite developing countries in voicing their shared concerns. India seeks to be a bridge for nations with common challenges, promoting collaboration and collective action.
5. Contributing to Global Well-being: India has actively engaged in projects across 78 nations, responding to humanitarian crises, and ensuring maritime safety. By undertaking development initiatives and providing resources, India is positioning itself as a global contributor to stability and growth.

The Power of Digital Transformation

A central theme of Dr. Jaishankar’s speech was the transformative potential of digital technology. He highlighted how India’s advances in digital governance have made public services more efficient, transparent, and inclusive. From providing nutritional support to extending small business loans, India’s use of fintech has empowered even street vendors and expatriate workers, proving that technology can be a great equalizer.

India’s commitment to digital innovation extends globally. The country’s achievements in space exploration, such as its lunar missions, and its embrace of fintech and 5G technology demonstrate that rapid development is not only possible but achievable in a relatively short time.

Addressing the Unfairness of Globalization

Dr. Jaishankar also called attention to the flaws in the current globalization model. He argued that over-concentration of production has hollowed out many economies, particularly in the developing world. He advocated for democratizing global production, building resilient supply chains, and promoting open-source cultures to address these imbalances. By doing so, he believes that widespread prosperity can be achieved.

The Global Security Challenge

Turning to security concerns, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that peace and development are inextricably linked. The international community cannot ignore the broader economic implications of conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the ongoing violence in Gaza. He called for urgent solutions to these crises, urging the UN to take a more proactive role in resolving conflicts.

Dr. Jaishankar was unequivocal when addressing terrorism. He called terrorism “antithetical” to the values of the UN and stressed that all forms of terrorism must be opposed. He also highlighted the importance of holding global terrorists accountable, and free from political impediments.

India’s Stand on Pakistan

In a pointed remark, Dr. Jaishankar addressed the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. He underscored that Pakistan’s attempts to destabilize India through terrorism would not succeed. He made it clear that the only outstanding issue between the two nations is the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan.

A Call for UN Reform

Dr. Jaishankar concluded by calling for a more representative and effective United Nations. He stressed that the global order must be pluralistic and diverse, reflecting the realities of the modern world. To ensure that no country is left behind, the UN must evolve to address the key challenges of our time better.