Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights (SR’s report on Right to participate in science) during the 55th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council (26 Feb – 5 Apr 2024), delivered by Jagpreet Kaur, Under Secretary, MEA New Delhi
Geneva, 7 March 2024
Mr. President,
1. My delegation takes note of the Special Rapporteur’s Report and its recommendations.
2. India is firmly committed to achieve scientific progress and enable all its population to enjoy the benefits from the progress. As enshrined in the Constitution of India, it is the fundamental duty of citizens to develop scientific temper.
3. We are seeing the results of the scientific approach with which India is moving forward. India is globally among the top five countries in scientific research publications, 40thin Global Innovation Index and among the top three countries in the world in terms of start-up ecosystem. Indian scientific breakthroughs have reached from the lab to moon; the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on south pole of the moon being a case in point.
4. All this is due to strengthening of Science & Technology ecosystem in the country in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Climate Research, Space Research etc.
5. To ensure ‘Ease of doing Science’, India is implementing schemes like 'Women in Science and Engineering(WISE-KIRAN)’ which include provision of fellowships and opportunities to enhance women’s participation in the field of Science and Technology.Today, many of the scientific institutions and programmes in India, including Space Missions, are women-led.
Mr President
6. India believes that scientific endeavours have the power to shape not only the future of one nation but of the entire world. Therefore, India stands ready to share its expertise and experiences with those who wish to benefit from it.
Thank you.
