Statement by India at the 20th Meeting of the Council of Representatives of the South Centre delivered by Ambassador Mr. Rajiv K. Chander, Permanent Representative. [Geneva, 30th April 2019]

Chairperson, H.E. President Thabo Mbeki, Convenor of the Council Ambassador Dr. Abdul Minty, Executive Director Dr. Carlos Correa, Distinguished Colleagues,

At the outset, India would like to thanks H.E. President Thabo Mbeki for his inspiring leadership as Chairperson of the South Centre Board which has kept the South Centre focussed on its prime mandate of furthering the interests of the countries of the South. The sense of pragmatism and wisdom you bring to the South Centre is an asset that is deeply appreciated. We thank the Board members, especially the outgoing ones, for their invaluable contribution. We also welcome the new Board members and look forward to their contributions

2.We would also like to put on record our appreciation of the efforts of the Executive Director, Dr. Carlos Correa who in the past year has carried out his responsibilities in a sincere and professional manner. We thank Dr Correa for his presentation on the comprehensive overview of the activities of the South Centre in the past year.

3.We would convey our sincere gratitude to the Convenor, Dr. Abdul Minty for his leadership and efficient steering of the work of the Council of Representatives. On the successful completion of his tenure, we wish Ambassador Minty the very best for the future. In this context, I am happy to convey to you that Government of India has nominated the current Vice-Convenor Ambassador Ajit Kumar to the post of Convenor. We hope he will enjoy the full support of the Council.

4.India has always been appreciative of the positive role played by the South Centre in furthering the concerns of the developing countries in the sphere of multilateralism with a professional and meticulous approach. The Centre’s focus on issues relating to innovation, intellectual property, Global Health and Development, in the context of the work undertaken in WIPO, WHO, WTO and other international fora, is praiseworthy. The content of the policy briefs and publications brought out by the Centre are enriching and well-researched

Mr. Convenor,

5.Today, the global economic and political landscape is witnessing unpredictable turns and remains at an ever dynamic and volatile stage. The ongoing global discourse on issues those are topical for the countries of the South needs to be closely analysed. In such a volatile scenario, the responsibility of the Centre increases manifold and it needs to adjust, adapt and continue providing quality policy inputs and research to countries of the South.

6.We are pleased to note that the Centre has maintained a healthy financial position over the last year. India has always been a strong supporter of the work of the South Centre and has been one of the highest financial contributors to the South Centre. We are positive that with a sound healthy financial position, the Centre will continue to work efficiently providing full-fledged support to the countries of the South both in terms of policy as well as research.

7.India stands committed to working with other member states and the South Centre team in a constructive manner so as to further strengthen the South Centre and enhance its relevance.

Thank You.