How is India and UN Enhancing South-South Cooperation?
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Synopsis
India and the UN have launched groundbreaking capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing South-South cooperation. With a focus on empowering nations to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and addressing pressing issues like food security and health, this collaboration marks a pivotal step in international cooperation.
Key Takeaways
- The first phase of the India-UN initiative focuses on capacity-building in nine partner countries.
- It aims to enhance South-South cooperation for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Key areas include food security, health, vocational training, and census preparedness.
- The initiative is part of the larger UN-India Global Capacity-Building Initiative.
- India's leadership role in fostering international cooperation is reinforced through this partnership.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (NationPress) In a significant advancement for South-South cooperation, India alongside the United Nations has initiated the first phase of four capacity-building projects in nine collaborating nations. This initiative falls under the ‘India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative’, designed to assist countries in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The launch event took place on Friday, led by the Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Tanmaya Lal.
The nine collaborating nations consist of Zambia, Laos, Nepal, Barbados, Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and South Sudan.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Heads of Missions, UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp, diplomats, officials from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC), UN agencies, and other partner organizations.
“Promoting South-South cooperation to meet SDG objectives. The first phase of four projects in nine partner nations, under the ‘India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative’ was launched today by Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal. Esteemed guests included Heads of Missions, UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Shombi Sharp, diplomats, and officials from ITEC institutes and other partner organizations. The projects target food security, health, vocational training, and census preparedness,” said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of MEA on X.
While addressing the audience, Tanmaya Lal remarked that “In alignment with SDG-17 and effective international cooperation, this new India-UN initiative for global capacity-building holds even greater significance. It aims to share experiences and empower partners in the Global South in crucial areas related to the SDGs.”
Under the ‘UN-India Global Capacity-Building Initiative’, the UN will utilize its global reach to connect India's exemplary practices and institutions with other nations, facilitating a faster path towards achieving the SDGs. The initiatives encompass a wide array of actions, from skills training and knowledge exchanges to pilot projects in partner countries, facilitated through the new UN India SDG Country Fund and the ITEC.
UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp noted that “in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), India is extending its longstanding leadership role in fostering South-South cooperation for SDG acceleration, leveraging the innovative and partnership capabilities of Indian institutions alongside the UN system.”
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize India's proactive stance in fostering global cooperation through initiatives like the India-UN partnership. This initiative not only reflects India's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals but also positions the nation as a leader in enhancing collaborative efforts across the Global South.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative?
The initiative aims to support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by implementing capacity-building projects across various sectors.
Which countries are involved in the first phase of the initiative?
The first phase involves nine partner countries: Zambia, Laos, Nepal, Barbados, Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and South Sudan.
What are the key focus areas of these projects?
The projects focus on critical areas such as food security, health, vocational training, and census preparedness.
Who launched the initiative?
The initiative was launched by the Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Tanmaya Lal.
How will the UN help in this initiative?
The UN will leverage its global network to connect India's best practices and institutions with partner countries to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.
