India's Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, addressed the High-Level Plenary Meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He welcomed the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Sea Level Rise, highlighting India's initiatives on coastal resilience, mangrove preservation, and disaster-resilient infrastructure. George stressed the need for equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
The senior Indian diplomat underscored the vital role played by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in preserving stable maritime zones and the legal continuity of statehood for vulnerable island and coastal nations. He detailed India's diplomatic engagement, emphasizing the importance of these aspects in addressing the challenges posed by sea level rise. The Ministry of External Affairs shared on social media that George delivered India's statement at the High-Level Plenary Meeting, reaffirming the significance of these issues.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Secretary (West) Sibi George attended the Peacebuilding Commission Ministerial meeting, focusing on national ownership in practice. He reiterated the fundamental importance of national ownership in peacebuilding and shared India's perspectives on nation-building. George emphasized decentralization of power, human-centric digital public infrastructure, and inclusive development with a focus on women and youth participation in the nation-building process.
India has extended significant financial support to countries in need, including tens of billions in grants, concessional credit, and capacity-building. The India-UN Development Partnership Fund prioritizes Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. This engagement demonstrates India's commitment to global cooperation and development.
Secretary (West) Sibi George also participated in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Ministerial meeting. He underscored India's longstanding commitment to the Palestinian people and the country's ongoing partnership with UNRWA. This engagement reflects India's efforts to make a tangible impact on the daily lives of Palestinian people.
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, also addressed concerns over attacks on seafarers. He stated that India and Liberia have come together to address these issues, highlighting the need for international cooperation in ensuring the safety of seafarers. This concern is part of India's broader engagement on global issues.
India's diplomatic efforts at the UNGA reflect its commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development. The country's initiatives on coastal resilience, mangrove preservation, and disaster-resilient infrastructure demonstrate its proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by sea level rise. India's emphasis on equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and the significance of UNCLOS highlights its dedication to finding solutions that balance the needs of all nations.
Key points
- India advocates for stable maritime zones and continuity of statehood for island and coastal states.
- The country emphasizes the importance of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities in addressing sea level rise.
- India has extended significant financial support to countries in need through various development partnerships.
