UNGA: India, the key to world peace
H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, after an invitation by India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, is currently visiting India from January 22-26, 2024. The visit presents an excellent opportunity to strengthen India-UN relations, focusing on the General Assembly's role in the UN.
The PGA's visit commenced with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, reflecting on Gandhi's influence in promoting peace. He also acknowledged the cultural significance of India's 'Pran Prathishta' ceremony in Ayodhya, marking a 'second Diwali.' H.E. Francis toured Jaipur's Jantar Mantar and City Palace, highlighting India’s astronomical and cultural heritage. He visited local NGOs, including the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation and Jaipur Foot Centre, recognising their contributions to societal empowerment and support.
The visit includes key engagements such as addressing the Indian Council of World Affairs on themes like peace, progress, and sustainability, discussing digital public infrastructure and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and participating in dialogues at the Observer Research Foundation about Reformed Multilateralism. H.E. Francis called upon India’s President Smt. Droupadi Murmu and EAM Dr S. Jaishankar. H.E Dennis Francis participates as a State guest in this year’s Republic Day Parade of Maharashtra on January 26th.
The visit, amidst global political tensions, highlights India's diplomatic prominence. The PGA commended India as a "valuable" UN member during a conversation with the Press Trust of India, urging the country to continue leading peace efforts and sharing its sustainable development experiences. He noted India's significant contributions to the UN budget and peacekeeping, emphasising its role in South-South and Triangular Cooperation. He highlighted India's consistent contribution to the UN budget and peacekeeping troops. Mentioning the ongoing challenging times where the UN membership is divided, the PGA noted that the UN General Assembly is looking at India to lead the conversation for peace and diplomacy owing to its rich legacy in dialogue and peace-making. His meeting with EAM Dr Jaishankar involved discussions of India’s successful hosting of G20 and Voice of Global South Summits and the urgency of reforms required in international institutions, especially the UN Security Council. In addition to reinforcing India-UN ties, the PGA’s visit and discussions reflect the prominence of India's works on international platforms and strengthen its bid for a permanent Security Council seat.
