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The Sustainable Development Goals in India
India is critical in determining the success of the SDGs, globally. At the UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, “Sustainable development of one-sixth of humanity will be of great consequence to the world and our beautiful planet. It will be a world of fewer challenges and greater hope; and, more confident of its success”. NITI Aayog, the Government of India’s premier think tank, has been entrusted with the task of coordinating the SDGs, mapping schemes related to the SDGs and their targets, and identifying lead and supporting ministries for each target. In addition, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has been leading discussions for developing national indicators for the SDGs. State governments are key to India’s progress on the SDGs as they are best placed to ‘put people first’ and to ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’. The UN Country Team in India supports NITI Aayog, Union ministries and state governments in their efforts to address the interconnectedness of the goals, to ensure that no one is left behind and to advocate for adequate financing to achieve the SDGs.
Publication
08 July 2025
UN in India Digest June 2025
In this edition of the UN India Digest, #TeamUNinIndia takes you through some of the impactful work we've been part of this past month. From driving AI innovation in telecom networks to supporting inclusive urban planning in Odisha, and tackling plastic pollution in India, learn more about our work to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Speech
02 January 2025
Celebrating the dynamic UN-India partnership!
As we step into the New Year, it is a moment to both reflect and look forward. From breakthroughs in public health and food security to major advances in poverty reduction, technology and climate action, 2024 has proven to be another transformative year in India – as it has been for us at the United Nations in India, all 26 entities partnering with government, civil society and business across every State and Union Territory, as well as with our international development partners. Fresh off hosting the G20 presidency last year, India reinforced its role as a leading ‘voice of the Global South,’ driving international discourse on climate justice, food security and health equity among other issues central to the Sustainable Development Goals. In an era of deep political polarization and tensions worldwide, it also demonstrated the strength and resilience of its democracy, the world’s largest, with more than 640 million people voting in the national election. In parallel, India hosted major UN gatherings on key multilateral issues old and new. At the 2024 ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, held in New Delhi, new global agreements were reached on critical issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and digital governance. With a strong focus on digital public infrastructure and emergency communications, India is at the forefront of setting digital standards that will impact the world for years to come.
The country’s cultural heritage shone brightly on the global stage as India played host to the annual UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time. Notably, Assam’s moidams — the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty — became India’s 43rd site on the World Heritage List.
On the ground, too, 2024 saw significant innovations across the country tackling India’s most pressing challenges with the UN proud to play a role. For example, Odisha launched a new 24-hour ‘Grain ATM’, a collaboration between WFP and the State Government. This technological advancement streamlines the public distribution system, reducing waiting times and ensuring that the most vulnerable have greater food security. UN Women led collective action on gender equality, globally the ‘unfinished business of our time’ in the words of the UN Secretary-General, while ILO convened the system to help unleash India’s unequalled potential demographic dividend.
Another major milestone was reached with India formally declaring the end of trachoma as a public health problem, overcoming one of the leading global causes of blindness. By implementing the WHO SAFE strategy — targeting treatment, prevention, and hygiene — India dramatically reduced infection rates. This success underscores the power of coordinated efforts between government, health-care workers, and international partners. India’s digital public infrastructure continues to set global benchmarks. The U-WIN platform, supported by UNDP, has been instrumental in modernizing vaccine distribution, ensuring accessibility and equity in immunization. This leap builds on previous successes like eVIN and CoWIN, and links with work of WHO and UNICEF, strengthening India’s ability to respond to public health challenges both now and in the future.
This year saw the update and release of the India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2030) supported by UNDP. This strategic plan aims to set nature on a recovery trajectory by embracing a 'whole-of-government' and 'whole-of-society' approach.
The UN family in India also celebrated several milestones in 2024. UNICEF marked 75 years of programming in the country to improve the health, safety and rights of children, while UNFPA commemorated 50 years, having contributed significantly to advancing sexual and reproductive health, especially for women and girls.Inclusion remained a central theme of the UN’s work in India this year. A joint non-discrimination statement on the employment of persons with disabilities was signed by all 26 UN agencies operating in the country.We formed a Multilateral Coordination Group with the government to bring together UN agencies, tailor programs for the welfare of persons with disabilities, and adapt global best practices to the Indian context.
As we approach the UN’s 80th anniversary next year, the momentum gained this past year will be crucial in advancing the initiatives outlined in the Pact for the Future that was adopted by all UN Member States, including India, at UN Headquarters in September. This landmark agreement, along with its key annexes — the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations — reflects a global commitment to building a peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive future, and to making the UN more effective and relevant for dealing with tomorrow’s challenges. India’s leadership in adopting and advancing these resolutions, particularly in strengthening South-South cooperation and prioritizing the voices of youth, will be vital in shaping the future.
Across six outcome groups of the Cooperation Framework, the UN in India has consistently driven impactful results through collective action and partnerships. Just a few of the highlights include:Health and well-being: Through the U-WIN platform, over 17 million pregnant women and 59 million children have been digitally registered, and more than 264 million vaccine doses have been tracked.Nutrition and food security: More than 12.3 million Indians, including children and breastfeeding mothers, received nutritious fortified foods.Quality education: We helped train 18,000 teachers as Health and Wellness Ambassadors across 26,000 schools spanning 33 districts.Economic growth and decent work: Conducted health and safety training to improve the working conditions at nearly 300 tea-growing estates.Environment, climate, WASH, and resilience: 2.9 million tons of CO2 emissions reduced through energy conservation and climate-friendly initiatives Empowering people, communities, and institutions: Supported the government in expanding gender-responsive budgeting in six states, leading to increased funding for women’s empowerment and gender equality.One of the standout moments of 2024 was when Major Radhika Sen from the Indian Army, serving as an Indian peacekeeper in the Democratic Republic of Congo, received this year’s UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
Additionally, the fourth edition of the SDG India Index produced by NITI Aayog with support from the UN showed India’s score rising to 71 out of 100, up from 66 in the previous edition.As we enter 2025, the race to achieve the SDGs enters a critical phase. With only half of the Decade of Action left, the urgency is unmistakable. This year has demonstrated the power of purpose and partnerships. From safeguarding cultural heritage to pioneering advancements in technology, India is showing how nations can drive sustainable growth while addressing global challenges. The United Nations, a humble partner working alongside India in this journey, remains committed to ensuring that progress benefits everyone. As I could not have begun to fully cover here the wide range of collaborations in which the UNCT is engaged, please have a look at our monthly newsletters on our website, or the annual report which will be issued within the first quarter of 2025, for more exhaustive stories of our work. The path ahead is steep, but with shared resolve, a more equitable and sustainable future is within reach. India is uniquely positioned among nations to accelerate development results at a scale and pace sufficient to give the global SDG push a vital boost, and with it optimism towards 2030.On behalf of the UN in India family, I am pleased to share our deep appreciation for your partnership in the year that was, and in anticipation of the important collective path ahead.Dhanyavaad!Shombi Sharp
United Nations Resident Coordinator, India
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Story
15 January 2025
WMO joins IMD’s 150th celebration
India recorded its hottest year on record in 2024, with extreme heat impacting human health, agriculture, water resources, and energy. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), highlighted these challenges during the 150th anniversary celebrations of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 14 January. The event, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh, celebrated IMD’s achievements and introduced Vision-2047, aimed at making India a climate-resilient nation by the time it celebrates 100 years of independence.“We aim to modernise meteorology and reduce weather-related fatalities,” Modi said. “This Vision will contribute to a sustainable future.”Saulo praised IMD’s role in disaster risk reduction and its support to sectors such as agriculture, water resource management, and public health.“IMD’s legacy has significantly enhanced India’s resilience and contributed to global efforts,” she said.India, a founding member of WMO since 1950, has been represented on its Executive Board for over 60 years, longer than any other country in the Asia-Pacific region. IMD’s role in severe weather forecasting, flash flood warnings, and seasonal climate outlooks was also acknowledged. “Accurate forecasts and coordinated disaster management have saved countless lives,” Saulo remarked, noting that IMD’s commitment to early warning systems aligns with WMO’s Early Warnings for All campaign to safeguard people from extreme weather worldwide.
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Story
16 October 2024
Global conference begins on future of digital tech standards
Thousands of tech experts, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and government officials have gathered in New Delhi for a global United Nations-run conference on the future of technology standards. The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) formally opened on 15 October in the capital’s Bharat Mandapam venue with an opening ceremony featuring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. WTSA, taking place in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time, runs until 24 October. It is being held alongside the India Mobile Congress. Held every four years, WTSA sets out priorities for experts around the world who work year-round to develop the standards established by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The assembly’s opening heard calls for universal connectivity, the need for ethical artificial intelligence (AI) and how digital inclusion can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
In his remarks, Mr. Modi stressed that “security, dignity and equity” are the principles on which discussions at the assembly and congress should be based.
“Our objective should be that no country, no region and no community should be left behind the in this digital era,” he said.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said the world had a lot to learn from what India has already accomplished with its digital public infrastructure. “This global gathering calls for bold, collective action. In the next 10 days, we can strengthen the role of international standards as the bedrock of global digital governance,” she said.
ITU's standardization work is driven by the contributions and consensus decisions of the agency’s membership, which includes 194 Member States and more than 1,000 member companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.
WTSA reviews the strategy, structure and working methods of ITU's standardization arm every four years. It also approves the mandates and appoints the leadership teams of expert groups for international standardization.
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In his remarks, Mr. Modi stressed that “security, dignity and equity” are the principles on which discussions at the assembly and congress should be based.
“Our objective should be that no country, no region and no community should be left behind the in this digital era,” he said.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said the world had a lot to learn from what India has already accomplished with its digital public infrastructure. “This global gathering calls for bold, collective action. In the next 10 days, we can strengthen the role of international standards as the bedrock of global digital governance,” she said.
ITU's standardization work is driven by the contributions and consensus decisions of the agency’s membership, which includes 194 Member States and more than 1,000 member companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.
WTSA reviews the strategy, structure and working methods of ITU's standardization arm every four years. It also approves the mandates and appoints the leadership teams of expert groups for international standardization.
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Story
03 October 2025
Tribal youth to gain skills via new fellowships
The United Nations in India and the Government of India’s Ministry of Tribal Affairs have launched two new initiatives aimed at giving tribal youth the tools, training, and mentorship to take active roles in their communities and in the workforce.The Adi Yuva Fellowship and the Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme are both designed to empower young people from tribal communities through structured learning, mentorship and career development. The Adi Yuva Fellowship offers a 12-month paid programme where selected tribal youth receive mentoring, professional development, and access to high-quality learning platforms. Fellows benefit from personalized learning plans, on-the-job exposure, and opportunities to engage with national and international networks. The first batch of 16 Fellows will be selected next month through a competitive process and placed with various UN agencies at national, state, and district levels.Fellows will also be linked to national skilling and employability schemes such as PMKVY 4.0, NAPS, and PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, creating pathways for post-fellowship careers. The Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme, supported by UNFPA, prepares tribal youth to support local governance and improve the delivery of public services in remote tribal regions. During the launch event on 19 September, tribal youth from Odisha, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh shared their individual stories of transformation and empowerment. Speaking at the launch, UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp described the two initiatives as reflective of the UN’s commitment to promoting inclusive development in India and help tribal youth thrive and lead.“Under the leadership of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, we are proud to support India’s strength in diversity and help accelerate the journey towards both the 2030 Agenda and Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said. Vibhu Nayar, Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, said “this partnership marks a transformative step to enable tribal youth to lead from the frontlines. It will accelerate inclusive progress and ensure that tribal communities remain at the heart of India’s growth story.”
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Story
03 October 2025
Inclusion, sustainability, and creativity at Durga Puja
Durga Puja, inscribed by UNESCO in 2021 as an element of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, transforms India’s state of West Bengal into the world’s largest public art festival — an immersive blend of worship, art, and social messaging.Durga Puja isn’t just a festival — it’s a city-wide act of imagination, and one that reverberates with the Bengali diaspora and others around the world. For a few autumn nights, Kolkata and parts of West Bengal turn into an open-air gallery where neighbourhoods build dazzling temporary temples (pandals), artisans from Kumartoli sculpt the goddess from river clay, drummers (dhaakis) roll thunder through the streets, and millions wander from one illuminated dreamscape to the next. This grand spectacle is actually community in motion: local clubs raising funds, families volunteering, craftspeople collaborating, and entire local economies springing to life around food, lights, music, and art. Families map their ‘pandal-hopping’ routes, musicians set the rhythm, food stalls weave the city together, and the city itself becomes a stage. All kinds of divisions – class, caste, ethnicity — in this city of teeming millions, melt away.Durga is among the powerful female figures in the Hindu pantheon of gods, often depicted as riding a lion. The symbolism runs deep. Durga’s victory over evil is celebrated, yes – but so is community over isolation, creativity over routine, and collaboration over hierarchy.UNESCO recognition
In December 2021, UNESCO placed Kolkata’s Durga Puja on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, describing it as “the best instance of the public performance of religion and art, and a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers.”As Tim Curtis, UNESCO Representative in India, explained, “It embodies the Sarbojonin spirit (for all people) that has defined community worship since 1926. From clay sculptors to drummers, designers to local organizers, the entire city contributes to one of the most vibrant cultural expressions in the world.”This is heritage not locked away in monuments but alive in practice, passed hand-to-hand through craftsmanship, reimagined every year with new themes, and binding communities across class, faith, and language. Durga Puja is also a creative economy powerhouse. A 2019 study estimated the festival’s industries generate USD 4.53 billion, or about 2.58% of West Bengal’s GDP. Art with a messageIn Kolkata, United Nations in India Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp visited a number of pandals, including one with a focus on sustainable agriculture. “Normally you see Goddess Durga defeating evil, but here the ‘evil’ is pesticides and unsustainable farming practices. Behind me stands a display with 280 rice varieties from eastern and northeastern India. That’s 12-13 million visitors being exposed to powerful messages about organic agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainability,” he said. Another headline-grabber this year is an AI-themed pandal that fuses devotion with digital imagination. Goddess Durga appears in her traditional form while the backdrop bursts with circuit-board patterns, glowing data streams, and neon light. Robotic figures and LED structures flank the entrance; the inner walls display AI-generated images of Durga, mixing old religious art with new technology.The point is clear: faith and technology can co-exist; even in a futuristic frame, the core message — Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil remains intact.Visitor reactions mirror this blend of wonder and caution. Nupur Hajara, a 30-year-old lab technician from Kolkata said, “The more positively people receive AI, the better. If they take it negatively, that won’t help, right? It’s something different, and I liked it. It felt refreshing to see something new.”“Durga Puja is our biggest, most special festival — and now AI is part of the conversation. It can do a lot of good, but there are risks too, especially fraud. Deepfakes and viral images are real concerns. Without safeguards, someone could misuse photos and deceive people. So it’s crucial that we use these technologies responsibly,” said IT professional Sumitam Shom. Adding a different register of urgency, another pandal with the theme of ‘Shabdo’ (‘Sound’) drew attention for its poignant focus on the vanishing sounds of nature — chirping birds, rustling leaves, croaking frogs — captured through immersive, sensory design. It was a meditation on environmental loss and nostalgia, asking what it means for a city to grow quieter as habitats shrink.Raja, an organiser, put it simply, “We chose this theme because you barely see birds anymore. My grandfather used to tell me how common they were; now they’re rare - partly, we believe, due to mobile network impacts. This pandal is our way to wake up the community: to learn how to bring the birds back and to start working on it together.”Other pandals echo urgent social themes: One honours acid attack survivors, raising awareness and celebrating their dignity and contributions. Another highlights water conservation. The messages resonate with young visitors too. “Groundwater is depleting day by day. This is the best way to spread awareness to the public,” said Tisa, an 18-year-old student at a pandal dedicated to water conservation. Making Puja accessible to allThis Durga Puja in Kolkata also marks a leap towards inclusivity. In June 2025, UNESCO and the UN in India launched comprehensive accessibility guidelines for festival organizers following consultations with organizations of persons with disabilities.The resulting Standard Operating Procedures cover six areas ranging from physical infrastructure and communication to volunteer training and safety, ensuring that accessibility is not an afterthought but built into design.The results are visible on the ground. Ramps and barrier-free layouts ease mobility, Braille signage and sign-language interpreters expand communication, and quiet seating areas provide dignity to those who need rest. Mr. Sharp recalls: “We heard from a father who, for the first time in 17 years, was able to bring his daughter, a wheelchair user, to celebrate Durga Puja. That was an incredibly emotional moment.”Mr. Curtis linked this to a broader principle, “Cultural participation is not a privilege but a human right. India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and its commitments under the UN Convention guarantee equal access to cultural life. Durga Puja shows what that looks like in practice.” A living laboratory for the SDGsDurga Puja in Kolkata is more than worship. It is ritual, performance, public art, local economy, and civic imagination — all blending into one shared act. It is also a living laboratory for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), translating abstract ideas into tangible experience: sustainable agriculture, disability inclusion, gender equality, dignity in diversity.As Mr. Sharp puts it, “If you’re just talking about statistics, that’s one thing. But here, it’s living, breathing, alive — people interacting with the goddess, with the installations, with the messages. Everybody gains when inclusion, sustainability, and creativity comes together.Durga Puja is proof that heritage is not only about the past, it is also about shaping the future.
Compiled by UN News Hindi. Click here to read the Hindi version
In December 2021, UNESCO placed Kolkata’s Durga Puja on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, describing it as “the best instance of the public performance of religion and art, and a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers.”As Tim Curtis, UNESCO Representative in India, explained, “It embodies the Sarbojonin spirit (for all people) that has defined community worship since 1926. From clay sculptors to drummers, designers to local organizers, the entire city contributes to one of the most vibrant cultural expressions in the world.”This is heritage not locked away in monuments but alive in practice, passed hand-to-hand through craftsmanship, reimagined every year with new themes, and binding communities across class, faith, and language. Durga Puja is also a creative economy powerhouse. A 2019 study estimated the festival’s industries generate USD 4.53 billion, or about 2.58% of West Bengal’s GDP. Art with a messageIn Kolkata, United Nations in India Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp visited a number of pandals, including one with a focus on sustainable agriculture. “Normally you see Goddess Durga defeating evil, but here the ‘evil’ is pesticides and unsustainable farming practices. Behind me stands a display with 280 rice varieties from eastern and northeastern India. That’s 12-13 million visitors being exposed to powerful messages about organic agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainability,” he said. Another headline-grabber this year is an AI-themed pandal that fuses devotion with digital imagination. Goddess Durga appears in her traditional form while the backdrop bursts with circuit-board patterns, glowing data streams, and neon light. Robotic figures and LED structures flank the entrance; the inner walls display AI-generated images of Durga, mixing old religious art with new technology.The point is clear: faith and technology can co-exist; even in a futuristic frame, the core message — Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil remains intact.Visitor reactions mirror this blend of wonder and caution. Nupur Hajara, a 30-year-old lab technician from Kolkata said, “The more positively people receive AI, the better. If they take it negatively, that won’t help, right? It’s something different, and I liked it. It felt refreshing to see something new.”“Durga Puja is our biggest, most special festival — and now AI is part of the conversation. It can do a lot of good, but there are risks too, especially fraud. Deepfakes and viral images are real concerns. Without safeguards, someone could misuse photos and deceive people. So it’s crucial that we use these technologies responsibly,” said IT professional Sumitam Shom. Adding a different register of urgency, another pandal with the theme of ‘Shabdo’ (‘Sound’) drew attention for its poignant focus on the vanishing sounds of nature — chirping birds, rustling leaves, croaking frogs — captured through immersive, sensory design. It was a meditation on environmental loss and nostalgia, asking what it means for a city to grow quieter as habitats shrink.Raja, an organiser, put it simply, “We chose this theme because you barely see birds anymore. My grandfather used to tell me how common they were; now they’re rare - partly, we believe, due to mobile network impacts. This pandal is our way to wake up the community: to learn how to bring the birds back and to start working on it together.”Other pandals echo urgent social themes: One honours acid attack survivors, raising awareness and celebrating their dignity and contributions. Another highlights water conservation. The messages resonate with young visitors too. “Groundwater is depleting day by day. This is the best way to spread awareness to the public,” said Tisa, an 18-year-old student at a pandal dedicated to water conservation. Making Puja accessible to allThis Durga Puja in Kolkata also marks a leap towards inclusivity. In June 2025, UNESCO and the UN in India launched comprehensive accessibility guidelines for festival organizers following consultations with organizations of persons with disabilities.The resulting Standard Operating Procedures cover six areas ranging from physical infrastructure and communication to volunteer training and safety, ensuring that accessibility is not an afterthought but built into design.The results are visible on the ground. Ramps and barrier-free layouts ease mobility, Braille signage and sign-language interpreters expand communication, and quiet seating areas provide dignity to those who need rest. Mr. Sharp recalls: “We heard from a father who, for the first time in 17 years, was able to bring his daughter, a wheelchair user, to celebrate Durga Puja. That was an incredibly emotional moment.”Mr. Curtis linked this to a broader principle, “Cultural participation is not a privilege but a human right. India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and its commitments under the UN Convention guarantee equal access to cultural life. Durga Puja shows what that looks like in practice.” A living laboratory for the SDGsDurga Puja in Kolkata is more than worship. It is ritual, performance, public art, local economy, and civic imagination — all blending into one shared act. It is also a living laboratory for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), translating abstract ideas into tangible experience: sustainable agriculture, disability inclusion, gender equality, dignity in diversity.As Mr. Sharp puts it, “If you’re just talking about statistics, that’s one thing. But here, it’s living, breathing, alive — people interacting with the goddess, with the installations, with the messages. Everybody gains when inclusion, sustainability, and creativity comes together.Durga Puja is proof that heritage is not only about the past, it is also about shaping the future.
Compiled by UN News Hindi. Click here to read the Hindi version
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Story
26 September 2025
Where snow leopards roam: India's cold desert earns global recognition
In a landscape where snow leopards prowl ancient valleys and Buddhist monks preserve millennia-old wisdom, one of India’s most extreme wildernesses has just earned global recognition.High in the trans-Himalayan wilderness of northern India, where oxygen grows thin and temperatures plummet to bone-chilling extremes, lies one of Earth's most extraordinary ecosystems. The Cold Desert — a stark, windswept expanse of glacial valleys and alpine plateaus — has just been designated as UNESCO's newest Biosphere Reserve, marking a pivotal moment for conservation in the Indian Himalayas.The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve spans approximately 7,770 km² across the dramatic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district. Encompassing windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and rugged high-altitude deserts, it is one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves.With altitudes ranging from 3,300 to 6,600 metres, the reserve covers the Pin Valley National Park and Kibber and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Around 12,000 inhabitants live in scattered villages, practicing traditional pastoralism, yak and goat herding, barley and pea farming, and Tibetan herbal medicine. This knowledge is sustained through Buddhist monastic traditions and community councils that regulate the use of fragile alpine resources.
UNESCO biosphere reserves are "living laboratories for sustainable development" where conservation and human activity are managed together, rather than cordoning off nature as a separate entity. This philosophy is perfectly embodied in the Cold Desert, where time-tested governance systems demonstrate how communities can thrive while preserving their environment.This fragile cold desert ecosystem supports hardy alpine grasses, medicinal herbs, and rare stands of Willow-leaved sea-buckthorn, Himalayan birch, and Persian juniper. The reserve harbors 732 species of vascular plants, including 30 endemic species and 157 near-endemics of the Indian Himalayas.Among the region's iconic fauna are the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, and the rare Himalayan wolf. The skies above host rich birdlife, including the Himalayan snowcock and golden eagle.
As the world faces growing climate and biodiversity crises, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves offer a powerful, yet underreported solution. These globally recognized areas are more than just protected land — they are living laboratories where communities, scientists, and governments collaborate to find sustainable ways of living in harmony with nature.The Cold Desert's designation brings the total number of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in India to 13, with more than 10 million people living within these areas. The biosphere reserves in India demonstrate how governments, scientists, and local Indigenous communities co-manage nature and development — from climate resilience and risk reduction to nature-based livelihoods, education and science.
Globally, the World Network now comprises 785 biosphere reserves in 136 countries, spanning approximately 7.4 million km² and home to roughly 275 million people. Remarkably, 70% of UNESCO Member States now have at least one biosphere reserve, showcasing the global commitment to sustainable development.The designation announcement came at the end of the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, convening in Hangzhou, China, from 22-26 September. Every 10 years, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves brings together more than 2,000 stakeholders including scientists, policymakers, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and conservationists to identify priorities, strengthen collaboration, and define a Global Action Plan with specific targets for the next decade — including the goal of having at least one biosphere reserve in every UNESCO Member State.
Around 12,000 inhabitants live in scattered villages, practicing traditional pastoralism, yak and goat herding, barley and pea farming, and Tibetan herbal medicine. This knowledge is sustained through Buddhist monastic traditions and community councils that regulate the use of fragile alpine resources.
UNESCO biosphere reserves are "living laboratories for sustainable development" where conservation and human activity are managed together, rather than cordoning off nature as a separate entity. This philosophy is perfectly embodied in the Cold Desert, where time-tested governance systems demonstrate how communities can thrive while preserving their environment.This fragile cold desert ecosystem supports hardy alpine grasses, medicinal herbs, and rare stands of Willow-leaved sea-buckthorn, Himalayan birch, and Persian juniper. The reserve harbors 732 species of vascular plants, including 30 endemic species and 157 near-endemics of the Indian Himalayas.Among the region's iconic fauna are the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, and the rare Himalayan wolf. The skies above host rich birdlife, including the Himalayan snowcock and golden eagle.
As the world faces growing climate and biodiversity crises, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves offer a powerful, yet underreported solution. These globally recognized areas are more than just protected land — they are living laboratories where communities, scientists, and governments collaborate to find sustainable ways of living in harmony with nature.The Cold Desert's designation brings the total number of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in India to 13, with more than 10 million people living within these areas. The biosphere reserves in India demonstrate how governments, scientists, and local Indigenous communities co-manage nature and development — from climate resilience and risk reduction to nature-based livelihoods, education and science.
Globally, the World Network now comprises 785 biosphere reserves in 136 countries, spanning approximately 7.4 million km² and home to roughly 275 million people. Remarkably, 70% of UNESCO Member States now have at least one biosphere reserve, showcasing the global commitment to sustainable development.The designation announcement came at the end of the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, convening in Hangzhou, China, from 22-26 September. Every 10 years, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves brings together more than 2,000 stakeholders including scientists, policymakers, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and conservationists to identify priorities, strengthen collaboration, and define a Global Action Plan with specific targets for the next decade — including the goal of having at least one biosphere reserve in every UNESCO Member State.
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25 September 2025
An Indian is among the three entrepreneurs awarded the UNEP Young Champions of the Earth prize
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and American cleantech CEO Chris Kemper announced today the selection of three environmental entrepreneurs from India, Kenya and the United States as the 2025 Young Champions of the Earth.
Winners are recognized for groundbreaking contributions that advance a global circular economy and improving environmental outcomes by treating wastewater, expanding access to clean water, tackling plastic pollution, and creating sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. Award recipients will receive seed funding, mentoring, communications support, and a global platform to showcase and scale their solutions.
The Young Champions program, which UNEP founded in 2017, was re-launched this year in partnership with Mr. Kemper, who in 2023 was designated as UNEP’s Advocate for Partnerships to mobilize resources and action around today’s most urgent environmental issues. Mr. Kemper is the Chairman, Founder and CEO of U.S. climate tech company Palmetto and a climate philanthropist. Through the support of The Christopher Kemper Foundation, this year Mr. Kemper co-founded Planet A, a new YouTube channel to drive environmental awareness and action.
This year’s Young Champions of the Earth winners each received US$20,000 at today’s event. Then tomorrow, the three will have an opportunity to compete in the first-ever Planet A pitch competition for a business growth grant of US$100,000 and a possible seed investment of US$1 million committed to a future fundraising round. Planet A is filming the competition, and the Young Champions’ leading up to it, to be released on Planet A’s YouTube channel in October.
The 2025 Young Champions of the Earth are:● Jinali Mody (28, India): Jinali is a biochemistry graduate from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai and the Yale School of Environment. She founded Banofi Leather, an India-based women-led company aiming to make the fast fashion business by producing leather alternatives made from banana crop waste. Compared to conventional leather, Banofi drastically reduces water use, toxic waste, and CO₂ emissions.● Joseph Nguthiru (27, Kenya): A climate-tech engineer, Joseph’s company HyaPak converts the invasive species hyacinth in Lake Naivasha into packaging bags and biodegradable seedling wrappers. By replacing single-use plastic products, HyaPak makes agricultural lands healthier and offsets CO₂ emissions.● Noemi Florea (24, US): Climate innovator Noemi has founded Cycleau, a compact water reuse system, in consultation with dozens of marginalized communities. The company transforms greywater into drinking water. Retrofitted under sinks, showers, and laundry units, Cycleau significantly reduces wastewater, using much less energy than alternative systems. “The lives of our children and our children’s children are already being dramatically impacted by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. I commend these inspiring Young Champions of the Earth for their innovations, for the benefit of this and future generations,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.
The Young Champions of the Earth prize is UNEP’s flagship initiative on youth engagement. Since 2017, it has recognized 30 young trailblazers – activists, entrepreneurs, and environmental innovators under the age of 30 – for their outstanding ideas to protect the environment. Jinali ModyJinali Mody is the founder and CEO of Banofi Leather. The material-science startup is turning banana crop waste into a plant-based leather alternative. Made from banana stem fibre blended with natural binders and starches, the material looks, feels and even smells like animal leather. It reduces water use by 95 per cent, cuts carbon emissions by more than 90 per cent and eliminates toxic waste. The company now employs a team that is 60 per cent women and partners with around 100 smallholder banana farmers, providing additional income from stems that would have previously been burned or left to rot. Banofi products are attracting the attention of global fashion houses, proving that agricultural waste can be transformed into durable, high-performance alternatives for a sustainable future. Mody completed her undergraduate studies in biochemistry at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai and earned a master’s degree at the Yale School of Environment. She has been recognized internationally for her leadership in sustainable fashion, winning the 2023 Hult Prize of US$1 million, the Sustainable Material of the Year Award in India and the WEGE Prize. She has received recognition from the World Economic Forum, and support from the MIT Climate and Energy Prize.
NOTES TO EDITORSThe stories of the three Young Champions and accompanying assets including newswire video package and photographs are accessible through the following link (password: Action2025!). Each Young Champion has self-filmed their own video news package, capturing their work and vision in their own words and images. To support them, UNEP and Planet A provided smartphone video kits and mentorship.About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
Winners are recognized for groundbreaking contributions that advance a global circular economy and improving environmental outcomes by treating wastewater, expanding access to clean water, tackling plastic pollution, and creating sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. Award recipients will receive seed funding, mentoring, communications support, and a global platform to showcase and scale their solutions.
The Young Champions program, which UNEP founded in 2017, was re-launched this year in partnership with Mr. Kemper, who in 2023 was designated as UNEP’s Advocate for Partnerships to mobilize resources and action around today’s most urgent environmental issues. Mr. Kemper is the Chairman, Founder and CEO of U.S. climate tech company Palmetto and a climate philanthropist. Through the support of The Christopher Kemper Foundation, this year Mr. Kemper co-founded Planet A, a new YouTube channel to drive environmental awareness and action.
This year’s Young Champions of the Earth winners each received US$20,000 at today’s event. Then tomorrow, the three will have an opportunity to compete in the first-ever Planet A pitch competition for a business growth grant of US$100,000 and a possible seed investment of US$1 million committed to a future fundraising round. Planet A is filming the competition, and the Young Champions’ leading up to it, to be released on Planet A’s YouTube channel in October.
The 2025 Young Champions of the Earth are:● Jinali Mody (28, India): Jinali is a biochemistry graduate from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai and the Yale School of Environment. She founded Banofi Leather, an India-based women-led company aiming to make the fast fashion business by producing leather alternatives made from banana crop waste. Compared to conventional leather, Banofi drastically reduces water use, toxic waste, and CO₂ emissions.● Joseph Nguthiru (27, Kenya): A climate-tech engineer, Joseph’s company HyaPak converts the invasive species hyacinth in Lake Naivasha into packaging bags and biodegradable seedling wrappers. By replacing single-use plastic products, HyaPak makes agricultural lands healthier and offsets CO₂ emissions.● Noemi Florea (24, US): Climate innovator Noemi has founded Cycleau, a compact water reuse system, in consultation with dozens of marginalized communities. The company transforms greywater into drinking water. Retrofitted under sinks, showers, and laundry units, Cycleau significantly reduces wastewater, using much less energy than alternative systems. “The lives of our children and our children’s children are already being dramatically impacted by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. I commend these inspiring Young Champions of the Earth for their innovations, for the benefit of this and future generations,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.
The Young Champions of the Earth prize is UNEP’s flagship initiative on youth engagement. Since 2017, it has recognized 30 young trailblazers – activists, entrepreneurs, and environmental innovators under the age of 30 – for their outstanding ideas to protect the environment. Jinali ModyJinali Mody is the founder and CEO of Banofi Leather. The material-science startup is turning banana crop waste into a plant-based leather alternative. Made from banana stem fibre blended with natural binders and starches, the material looks, feels and even smells like animal leather. It reduces water use by 95 per cent, cuts carbon emissions by more than 90 per cent and eliminates toxic waste. The company now employs a team that is 60 per cent women and partners with around 100 smallholder banana farmers, providing additional income from stems that would have previously been burned or left to rot. Banofi products are attracting the attention of global fashion houses, proving that agricultural waste can be transformed into durable, high-performance alternatives for a sustainable future. Mody completed her undergraduate studies in biochemistry at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai and earned a master’s degree at the Yale School of Environment. She has been recognized internationally for her leadership in sustainable fashion, winning the 2023 Hult Prize of US$1 million, the Sustainable Material of the Year Award in India and the WEGE Prize. She has received recognition from the World Economic Forum, and support from the MIT Climate and Energy Prize.
NOTES TO EDITORSThe stories of the three Young Champions and accompanying assets including newswire video package and photographs are accessible through the following link (password: Action2025!). Each Young Champion has self-filmed their own video news package, capturing their work and vision in their own words and images. To support them, UNEP and Planet A provided smartphone video kits and mentorship.About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
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Story
12 September 2025
FAO presents the SOFI 2025 Report in New Delhi
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a presentation-cum-discussion session on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report 2025 on 9 September 2025 at the UN House, New Delhi. The session was presented by Máximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, FAO, who shared the key findings of the report, followed by an open floor discussion. The session was chaired by Professor Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, who set the context with an overview of India’s progress on food and nutrition security. Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India, during his opening remarks, emphasised that the SOFI report underscores the importance of strong institutions, innovation, and inclusive policies as the foundation of resilient agrifood systems that can withstand future challenges. The session was attended by more than 50 individuals from government departments, UN agencies international organizations, and academia.Presenting the findings of the SOFI Report 2025, Máximo highlighted, “Hunger is declining, but the pace remains slow. The number of undernourished people fell from 695 million in 2022 to 673 million in 2024, but nearly 2.3 billion people still lack regular access to adequate food.” The report highlighted that while global food insecurity has gradually declined since 2021, improvements are uneven. Máximo emphasised, “Much of the progress in Southern Asia has been driven by India”. Gains have been made in Southern Asia, particularly in India, as well as in Southeast Asia and South America. However, Western Asia and many parts of Africa have witnessed deterioration.On healthy diets, the findings highlighted that currently, around 2.6 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet, which is down from 2.9 billion in 2020. Yet nutrition targets remain off track, and inequalities persist, particularly for women and rural areas. A key concern raised was global food price inflation, which rose sharply from 2.3 percent in 2020 to 13.6 percent in 2023. During the discussion, participants explored the paradox of food prices rising even as affordability indicators showed improvement. Dr. Torero clarified that government support and social protection measures helped prevent demand from collapsing. This led to a broader exchange on the role of social protection in improving food access and stimulating production. The dialogue also covered cultural and behavioural aspects of food consumption, such as fasting or restrictive diets, and the diversion of food crops like maize for animal feed and biofuels. Looking ahead, the future calls for more coordinated, informed, and restrained policy responses. Governments demonstrated better awareness in the recent crisis by avoiding panic-driven trade interventions, instead adopting shorter and more targeted measures. Strengthening transparency and market information systems, balancing immediate relief with structural reforms, and fostering coordination between fiscal and monetary institutions are essential.[END]
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Press Release
15 October 2025
United Nations Day
“We the peoples of the United Nations…”These are not just the opening words of the United Nations Charter -- they define who we are.The United Nations is more than an institution. It is a living promise -- spanning borders, bridging continents, inspiring generations.For 80 years, we have worked to forge peace, tackle poverty and hunger, advance human rights and build a more sustainable world -- together.As we look ahead, we confront challenges of staggering scale: escalating conflicts, climate chaos, runaway technologies and threats to the very fabric of our institution.This is no time for timidity or retreat. Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone.On this UN Day, let’s stand together and fulfil the extraordinary promise of your United Nations. Let’s show the world what is possible when “we the peoples” choose to act as one.[END]
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Press Release
20 September 2025
Secretary-General: The UN is alive -- in you
I am going to be brief this evening because I know the real stars of this evening’s show. This celebration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations is special because of you. In this Hall, and joining us online, are people who have devoted their lives to service. To action. To hope. Women and men of the United Nations. Diplomats. Partners in civil society. Artists, advocates, and changemakers. You are the living proof that the world changes -- not just through declarations, but through dedication. Through courage. Through the quiet, persistent work of people who refuse to give up. This evening -- through film, music, and stories -- we will witness that truth. We will be reminded that it is often in the darkest hours -- when despair looms and division deepens -- that humanity comes together to make history. The theme of tonight’s gathering is living legacy. And the key word is living. The United Nations is not just a set of buildings. It is not just words on paper. It is alive -- in you. It lives in every peacekeeper who stands between conflict and calm. In every humanitarian worker who reaches the unreachable. In every diplomat who chooses dialogue over discord. In all of you who understand that global problems demand global solutions. We are all privileged to be part of one of the most ambitious and profound undertakings in human history: The decision -- despite our differences -- to solve problems together. To work sincerely, creatively, and humbly toward a better future for all. It is not easy. It is often difficult. Sometimes dangerous. But we choose to work. Because eight decades of wars prevented … children educated … diseases cured … and lives saved … tell us one thing: That anything -- and everything -- is possible when we stand united. So tonight, let us celebrate not only what has been achieved -- but what still lies ahead. Let us honour the legacy we have inherited -- and commit to the legacy we will leave behind. Let us keep the living legacy going -- and growing -- for one and all. Thank you.[END]
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Press Release
20 September 2025
High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations
The anniversary meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on the Organization’s achievements and the evolving challenges it faces in a rapidly changing global landscape.
What: High-level plenary meeting to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations
Speakers and Segments:Musical Performance by the Met Chorus Artists and the Sing for Hope HandaHarmony Youth Chorus conducted by Tilman MichaelOpening Remarks by H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th UN General AssemblyScreening of UN80 Commemoration video - Better TogetherRemarks by H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-GeneralReflections by eminent speakers on the role of the United Nations H.E. Ms. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of LiberiaH.E. Ms. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of NorwayMs. Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize LaureatePoem Recitation by Ms. Maryam Bukar Hassan, UN Global Advocate for PeaceWhen: Monday, 22 September 2025, 9 AM-10 AM
Where: General Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters, New York
Streaming coverage (Live and on demand) is available in all 6 languages through UN WebTV
Information for the Media: Please contact malu@un.org for escort to cover the event in-person.
For more information, visit the Website
Media Contacts La Neice Collins, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 917 721 9306, Email: collins3@un.orgNick Birnback, Director of Communications for the President of the General Assembly, M +1 929 301 0761, Email: birnbackn@un.orgMariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations, M: +1 917 361 4990, Email: mariam.shaikh@un.org
What: High-level plenary meeting to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations
Speakers and Segments:Musical Performance by the Met Chorus Artists and the Sing for Hope HandaHarmony Youth Chorus conducted by Tilman MichaelOpening Remarks by H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th UN General AssemblyScreening of UN80 Commemoration video - Better TogetherRemarks by H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-GeneralReflections by eminent speakers on the role of the United Nations H.E. Ms. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of LiberiaH.E. Ms. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of NorwayMs. Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize LaureatePoem Recitation by Ms. Maryam Bukar Hassan, UN Global Advocate for PeaceWhen: Monday, 22 September 2025, 9 AM-10 AM
Where: General Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters, New York
Streaming coverage (Live and on demand) is available in all 6 languages through UN WebTV
Information for the Media: Please contact malu@un.org for escort to cover the event in-person.
For more information, visit the Website
Media Contacts La Neice Collins, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 917 721 9306, Email: collins3@un.orgNick Birnback, Director of Communications for the President of the General Assembly, M +1 929 301 0761, Email: birnbackn@un.orgMariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations, M: +1 917 361 4990, Email: mariam.shaikh@un.org
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Press Release
20 September 2025
A Commemoration of UN@80: A Living Legacy
Many of you may have seen the article in the New York Times a few days ago about the postcard sent from the UN in 1953. Alan Ball, from Idaho, sent the postcard to his family. It was lost to time, but resurfaced, 72 years later. I found it interesting that even back then this young man visited the UN on his stopover in New York. The UN was still new then, yet even then it mattered to people. We often forget, in the trenches of bureaucracy, politics and diplomacy, how much this institution matters to ordinary people. To the people like Mr. Ball – and the one million visitors who come through the doors each year. And to those in every country of the world whose lives are impacted by the work we, you, do. Ask the displaced how the work of UNHCR or IOM has mattered to them. Ask a person living with HIV/AIDS how the work of UNAIDS has mattered. Or ask the farmer in the Sahel how seeds, provided by FAO, has mattered. Every single day, you, the living legacy of this organization, affect the lives of people around the world. You defend those most vulnerable. You stand for human rights, even in the darkest days. You champion the plight of the unseen, the unheard, and the forgotten. On Monday we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. This is a moment to celebrate the people who make this institution. But it is also a moment of profound reflection on what this institution represents. What it represented to the people of 1945, who sought refuge from the scourge of war. What it represents to the people today, who call out for the UN to live up to its promise. It comes at a critical moment of change and evolution within the UN itself. As I will say in my remarks on Monday – change is necessary – but it must be built on the principles and spirit of the UN Charter. Principles that are upheld every day by the women and men of the UN, by you. Who have dedicated their lives to humanitarian relief, to peacekeeping, to the protection of human rights, and to sustainable development. Who have, far too often, given those lives in service… in Iraq, in Gaza… 168 women and men lost their lives in 2024 alone standing up for the principles of our Charter. These are the people – the heroes – who embody multilateralism in action. It is an honour to join you in celebrating this living legacy of the United Nations. You carry out the quiet, often thankless work, away from the limelight, yet indispensable to this Organization—to making it stronger, to make it better, together. You are the reason we can take pride in the United Nations today, the reason why a young visitor walking through these halls may look back, eighty years from now, with pride at having once stood here. Thank you. [END]
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Press Release
18 September 2025
UN India and UNESCO launch guidelines to make Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal more accessible and inclusive
The United Nations in India and UNESCO have launched new guidelines to make the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal more accessible and inclusive. ‘Enhancing Universal Accessibility during Cultural Festival 2015 Edition Durga Puja in Kolkata’ are a set of standard operating procedures developed by UN in India and UNESCO after extensive consultations with festival organizers, accessibility experts and organizations of persons with disabilities and with with technical support of Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. The guidelines draw on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016). They aim to position persons with disabilities not just as beneficiaries but as active partners in shaping accessibility measures. Accessibility challenges go beyond disability alone — they also affect older persons, pregnant women, and others who face barriers at different stages of life. According to India’s 2011 census, 2.2% of the population are persons with disabilities, while 8.6% are older persons. In 2021, UNESCO added Durga Puja in Kolkata to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The inscription described the festival as “the best instance of the public performance of religion and art, and a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers." Durga Puja – which kicks off on 28 September -- breaks the divides of class, religion and ethnicities as people visit Puja pandals (structures) to admire the installations. With more accessible venues, the pandals should not only allow persons with disability to be part of the festivities but also be active participants. The guidelines, grounded in the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and aligned the United Nations Convention on Rights of people with Disabilities, offer Durga Puja committees clear, practical steps to ensure everyone can fully participate in the celebrations, including: Ensuring physical infrastructure such as pandals, ramps, and sanitary facilities are accessibleProviding accessible communication and information, including sign language, Braille, and audio formatsMaking programming inclusive to engage persons with disabilities as active participantsDeveloping emergency preparedness and safety protocols to protect festival-goersTraining volunteers to build awareness, respect, and support skillsChanging attitudes to foster inclusion and dignity in every interaction “As we advance toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is important that the call to “leave no one behind” also resonates throughout our cultural life. When persons with disabilities join fully in festivals like Durga Puja, the celebration becomes richer and more meaningful for the entire community. I am proud that UN agencies have joined hands with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities to offer these helpful guidelines. Together we can help harness India’s truly incredible cultural heritage as a powerful force for inclusion - not just here, but globally.”Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India “Durga Puja embodies the living heritage of Bengal. To safeguard it for the future, we must also ensure it is accessible for all. This initiative brings the principles of UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into action, showing how cultural life can be both vibrant and inclusive.”Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia “When Durga Puja was inscribed on the UNESCO List, it indicated that we have a continued and shared responsibility towards the respect that has been given to us. The important key would be inclusion, community participation, expression of art and culture in different forms and also to be able to transcend divides between society and economy.” -Sri Santanu Basu IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Government of West Bengal UN in India and UNESCO hope that, following this year’s Durga Puja, the new guidelines will be used for other cultural and religious festivals taking place across the country. The initiative makes the case for accessibility as both a human right and a driver of community vitality and economic growth. When festivals are accessible, they enrich participation, spark stronger community bonds, and contribute to social and cultural resilience. The guidelines emphasise accessibility is good design for all – ramps that aid wheelchair users also help parents with strollers and the elderly; wayfinding signage supports both persons with disabilities and visitors unfamiliar with the area; seating benefits anyone in need of rest.
As Durga Puja gets set to return to the streets of West Bengal this year, the launch of these guidelines calls upon puja committees, authorities, volunteers, and communities to weave accessibility into their plans and actions. This effort resonates with the global call of the SDGs to “leave no one behind.” For more information, contact:Chironjit Ganguly: c.ganguly@unesco.orgSindhuja Khajuria: s.khajuria@unesco.org
As Durga Puja gets set to return to the streets of West Bengal this year, the launch of these guidelines calls upon puja committees, authorities, volunteers, and communities to weave accessibility into their plans and actions. This effort resonates with the global call of the SDGs to “leave no one behind.” For more information, contact:Chironjit Ganguly: c.ganguly@unesco.orgSindhuja Khajuria: s.khajuria@unesco.org
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