Statement made by India during the interactive dialogue of Group of 77 with Secretary General, UNCTAD – Delivered by Dr. Sadre Alam, First Secretary

Thank you Mr. Chair.

India would like to thank the G-77 Coordinator for organising this very useful briefing on an issue that is inextricably linked to the very raison d’etre of this organisation and group we are all members of and also thank the Secretary General (SG), United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi for being able to join.

2. On the U.N. development system reform, whatever the structure and process of the new U.N. developmental system, we need to collectively and individually maintain the centrality of the developmental dimension in multilateral trade and development and further reinforce it including through greater south-south solidarity and cooperation. Only this would result in a relevant UN developmental system and the realisation of the cross-cutting 2030 agenda to make real impact on the lives of our people.

3. In this regard, we request UNCTAD, guided by the personal vision, commitment and leadership of the SG, to build more structured and strategic partnerships within and beyond the U.N. system related to trade and development and interrelated issues, with the full support and cooperation of this group and a revitalised inter-governmental UNCTAD machinery, led and driven by Member States and fully and adequately supported by the Secretariat and as mandated by the Nairobi Maafikiano. Needless to state that UNCTAD remains as relevant today as in its formative years. UNCTAD’s work through its three interrelated pillars is very critical to our shared agenda and needs to be progressively enhanced. For this and to remain fit for purpose, UNCTAD should continuously reorient and reinvent itself.

4. We request the Coordinator and the Chair of the Geneva Chapter and the SG, UNCTAD to continue their efforts and the practice of regular engagement and organising such open and informal briefings of Member States to enhance mutual understanding and help build a critical mass of much needed political support both in Geneva and New York and bridge any related transatlantic gulf, to borrow the words of SG, UNCTAD.

5. Lastly, India reiterates its full support and commitment to both UNCTAD and the Group of 77 to further our shared agenda and collective interest.

Thank you.

05 July 2018