Statement by India during Fourth Intersessional meeting for dialogue and cooperation on Human Rights and the 2030Agenda for Sustainable Development - Investing in sustainable recovery, advancing gender equality and strengthening partnerships – Towards a renewed social contract anchored in human rights, (18 January 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary,Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 18 January 2022]

(Geneva, 18 January 2022)

Thank you, Madam Moderator.

My delegation welcomes the organisation of this intersessional meeting as well as the speakers’ and the panellists’ remarks.

This is the second year of the ‘Decade of Action’ for the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The global health and socio-economic crisis caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years has set back the progress made. Its impact has been disproportionate on the most vulnerable segments of the population. While many countries are now on the path to recovery, the developing and least developed countries are in need of greater support. We have no time to lose.

My delegation firmly believes that the achievement of sustainable development goals will lead to the realisation and enjoyment of basic human rights by people. Home to one-sixth of humanity, India is mindful that its success in achieving its goals will go a long way in the success of the 2030 Agenda. India’s commitment to the SDGs is reflected in the Government’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, i.e. collective efforts for inclusive growth. The convergence of SDGs with the national development agenda is evident in the flagship programmes that align with our SDG priorities. The SDG India Index and Dashboard is the principal tool being used for SDG monitoring at the national and sub-national levels. India presented its second Voluntary National Review on the implementation of SDGs in July 2020.

In the spirit of South-South Cooperation, for realising the 2030 Agenda, India supports developing countries through the USD 150 million India-UN Development Partnership Fund. My delegation has been strongly advocating for the principle of equity in the WHO and has also proposed, along with South Africa, a TRIPS waiver at the WTO for COVID vaccines and therapeutics. Since January 2021, over 115 million doses of COVID vaccines have been supplied to 95 countries and 2 UN entities in the form of grant, through commercial export or the COVAX facility.

India is committed to ensuring that we ‘leave no one behind’ and will continue to cooperate with all stakeholders to that end.

I thank you.