United Nations 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.

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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, filtered_html

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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., filtered_html

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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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01 October 2024

Global leaders gather at time of ‘powder keg’

World leaders gathered at UN Headquarters in New York for the General Assembly’s high-level meeting amid warnings that the planet is becoming “a powder keg” on an unsustainable course.UN Secretary-General António Guterres, delivering his annual report on the UN’s work, noted the many raging conflicts around the world, including those in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. “Our world is a whirlwind,” he said. “We are in an era of epic transformation, facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen – challenges that demand global solutions.”The Secretary-General added that climate change, poverty and artificial intelligence were among the many other challenges facing the world today.“We are edging towards the unimaginable – a powder keg that risks engulfing the world,” he said.Mr. Guterres emphasized the need to tackle three main drivers of unsustainability in the world: impunity, inequality, and uncertainty.“These worlds of impunity, inequality and uncertainty are connected and colliding,” he said, adding that nevertheless the challenges are solvable if humanity is willing to ensure that “the mechanisms of international problem-solving actually solve problems.” General Assembly President Philémon Yang used his address to underline that the 193-member General Assembly remained “one of the world’s most inclusive, represented, representative and authoritative platforms for global reflection of collective action.”Mr. Yang said that “if we act together,” the world can still overcome its greatest challenges, including the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals by their 2030 target date. Fewer than 17% of the SDG targets are currently on track, just six years before the deadline.He also underscored the threats posed by the climate crisis, which is impacting ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide. “The urgency of our task cannot be overstated.” , filtered_html

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05 June 2025

World Environment Day 2025: Beat Plastic Pollution

The United Nations in India has launched the Plastic Pollution Literacy Kit, a new digital educational tool designed to empower everyone from schoolchildren to CEOs with practical knowledge to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste.Developed by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the kit targets a wide audience — from policymakers and educators to industry leaders, youth and local communities. It lists accessible, role-specific actions to phase out single-use plastics and foster circular economy practices."This Kit is a timely contribution to India’s important efforts to tackle plastic pollution. It sets out in simple, clear language the many ways in which we can all play our part to make a difference, to create a jan andolan (people’s movement) of change," said Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India. Access the kit here: https://india.un.org/en/295741-plastic-pollution-literacy-kit

A Full Week of ActionThe launch capped a full week of coordinated events for World Environment Day led by UNEP India, bringing together key partners to share solutions and inspire collective action:Media Orientation Workshop: Held on 30 May, in partnership with Mongabay India and the Centre for Media Studies, and UN Information Centre New Delhi, this workshop equipped journalists and content creators with tools to translate complex data on plastics into compelling stories. The three-hour session focused on solution-oriented storytelling rather than doom-mongering.

  Tide Turners Plastic Challenge National Youth Summit: One of the world's largest youth-led environmental movements celebrated its winners on 2 June — young Indians turning the tide through local innovations. A stand-out feature was a youth photo exhibition, showcasing creative solutions such as coconut leaf straws replacing single-use plastic, and life jackets made from recycled materials. Other highlights included the launch of Waves of Change, a collection of youth-led impact stories, and a panel discussion on storytelling for advocacy, featuring UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Ms. Dia Mirza, WWF India CEO Mr. Ravi Singh, and Centre for Environment Education Founder Mr. Kartikeya Sarabhai.

Roundtable on Industry Solutions: In a dialogue with private sector leaders, UNEP convened a roundtable focused on sustainable packaging, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and circular economy innovations on 3 June. Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa, delivered the keynote address, urging deeper corporate commitment to ending plastic pollution. Moderated by Dia Mirza, the discussion featured industry case studies now being compiled for submission to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Companies shared innovations in packaging, collaboration with recyclers, and efforts to bring small businesses into the fight.
Why It MattersPlastic pollution is a planetary crisis. Since the 1950s, the world has produced more than 9.2 billion tons of plastic — nearly 7 billion tons have ended up as waste. Only 9% has been recycled. In just two months, countries will come together to try to hammer out a new global treaty to end plastic pollution. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his World Environment Day message, called for an “ambitious, credible and just agreement” that tackles the full lifecycle of plastics, reflects community needs, aligns with the SDGs and is implemented quickly and fully.World Environment Day 2025: #BeatPlasticPollutionTo rally momentum, UNEP is leading the 52nd annual World Environment Day on 5 June, the world’s largest platform for environmental outreach. This year’s commemoration is hosted in Jeju, Republic of Korea, under the theme #BeatPlasticPollution. Since launching in 2018, the UNEP-led campaign has advocated for a just and inclusive transition away from plastic dependency. The day brings together governments, businesses, communities, and individuals in a shared mission to protect and restore the planet, while advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those linked to climate action and sustainable consumption.

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World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution.

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04 June 2025

Amid scorching temperatures, India turns to ideas both old and new to beat the heat

With each passing year, hundreds of millions of Indians eye the approach of summer with trepidation. This year, the thermometer climbed above 40°C in many places in late April, earlier than normal. The impact of heat in India has been severe in recent years, with numerous heat-related deaths, widespread reports of heatstroke and school closures reported. “Even if nations start bringing down the greenhouse gas emissions warming the planet, temperature extremes are here to stay for the foreseeable future,” said Balakrishna Pisupati, who leads the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) India office. “Facing the kind of oppressive heat we have seen, people across this country will need to adapt, especially in ways that don’t worsen the climate crisis.” This, says Pisupati, is where passive cooling solutions come in. Passive cooling solutions range from reflective roofs to cool pavements to shade-providing tree cover. Crucially, and unlike air conditioning, these solutions don’t spew out planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions nor enflame the climate crisis. India has emerged as a global champion of passive cooling, integrating these approaches into national policies and city planning, often with the support of UNEP. Here’s a look at a few examples. Cooling Delhi’s rooftops The Indian capital of Delhi is one of the hottest major cities on the planet, with temperatures reportedly feeling like 50°C with humidity earlier this month. To help give commuters relief from the heat, the UNEP-led Cool Coalition in partnership with national and local government bodies are installing a “cool roof” on the bustling Kashmere Gate interstate bus terminal. The roof, which covers nearly 150,000 square feet, will be retrofitted with a surface that reflects at least 80 percent of solar heat, helping to cool upwards of 100,000 commuters daily. The project, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, is part of a larger effort by the government and the UNEP-led Cool Coalition to blunt the effects of heat waves on Delhi and protect the city’s most-vulnerable residents. Lowering the temperature in social housing Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY) is India’s flagship affordable housing scheme; to date, it has provided safe, secure homes to millions of families. However, in many affordable housing projects across India, keeping cool remains a challenge. UNEP is helping PMAY to integrate passive cooling features – such as natural ventilation and insulated walls – into the 10 million homes the government targets for delivery by 2029. These efforts could reduce electricity use by up to 35 per cent, by lowering indoor temperature by 3°C and giving families 40 per cent more time in the year without needing cooling. That’s part of a broader UNEP effort to reduce the heat in low-income neighborhoods. UNEP is also partnering with several agencies in the state of Tamil Nadu to develop financing mechanisms that would support the integration of passive cooling into government-supplied social housing. Heat-proofing Chennai Located in southern India, Chennai is a major industrial hub prone to punishing heat waves that typically sweep through ahead of the annual monsoon. Home to over 12 million people, Chennai’s dense population, high-rise buildings and shortage of green space are causing temperatures to spike. To reduce this so-called heat-island effect, UNEP’s Cool Coalition and India’s CEPT University mapped the city’s hottest areas and provided officials with recommendations on how to use nature and passive cooling to bring down temperatures. These recommendations are being integrated into Chennai’s master plan and can reduce urban heat by up to 4°C and cut heat-caused illnesses by 15-30 per cent. The effort has been supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Government of Denmark, the Clean Cooling Collaborative Initiative, and the World Bank. Bolstering national urban planning guidelines In India, most cities don’t take a standardized, scientific approach to mapping urban heat, which is essential to developing plans that address scorching temperatures. To change this, UNEP and partners are supporting central and state government efforts in India to adopt cutting-edge strategies for identifying and addressing urban heat hotspots. UNEP is also advising authorities as they develop guidelines for how central and state-level agencies can use disaster-related funding on projects that reduce temperatures in urban areas, including through passive cooling. In Tamil Nadu, for example, the state government has declared heat a disaster, and with UNEP support, it has identified a range of passive cooling solutions for schools, factories, and social housing. Adapted from UNEP Story, filtered_html

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03 June 2025

Germany’s Annalena Baerbock elected President of the 80th General Assembly

Germany’s Annalena Baerbock has made history as the fifth woman ever elected to preside over the United Nations General Assembly — and the first from the Western European group — taking office at a time when the world faces mounting challenges and multilateral cooperation is under increasing strain. Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock was elected President of the General Assembly’s 80th session on Monday. Her appointment comes as the regional group that includes Western Europe takes its turn at the helm of the world body.She assumes the role at a challenging time, with ongoing conflicts, faltering development goals, mounting financial pressures, and the upcoming selection of the next Secretary-General.Ms. Baerbock received 167 votes following the secret ballot. Write-in candidate Helga Schmid (also from Germany) received seven. Fourteen delegations abstained.She becomes the first woman from the Western European group to hold the post and the fifth woman overall to lead the General Assembly. The presidency rotates among the world body’s five regional groups.At 44 years, Ms. Baerbock is also one of the youngest leaders to secure the top job.Crucial junctureMs. Baerbock’s election comes at a critical juncture for the multilateral system, spearheaded by the United Nations.With the Security Council deadlocked – especially on moves to help end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza – the Assembly has become a vital forum for diplomatic engagement and consensus-building, even without binding authority on peace and security issues.As conflicts rage, the Assembly has passed a series of resolutions calling for ceasefires, humanitarian access and the protection of civilians.Many now see the Assembly as an essential platform for accountability and maintaining international focus on intractable crises, especially through the “Veto Initiative” adopted in 2022 which ensures that issues blocked by permanent members on the Security Council are debated in the Assembly as a priority.A power wielded by the five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – a veto (or negative vote) can block Council action even when all other members support a motion.Pledge to be an honest brokerIn her acceptance speech, President-elect Baerbock acknowledged the current global challenges and pledged to serve as “an honest broker and a unifier” for all 193 Member States, emphasising her theme of “Better Together.”She outlined three priorities for her presidency: making the Organization more efficient and effective; advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and making the Assembly a “truly inclusive forum”.She called for a UN “that embraces everyone. I see the diversity of the General Assembly as our strength. This is the place where all nations come together and where every country has a seat and a voice.”She also highlighted the importance of promoting gender equality, multilingualism, and engagement with civil society and youth.UN80 initiativeMs. Baerbock also touched on the UN80 initiative, which was launched by Secretary-General António Guterres in March.“The UN80 Initiative should not be a mere cost-cutting exercise,” she said, stressing the need for bold ambition and readiness to take difficult decisions.“Our common goal is a strong, focused, nimble and fit-for-purpose organization. One that is capable of realising its core objectives – we need a United Nations that delivers on peace, development and justice.” A career defined by multilateralismIn congratulating Ms. Baerbock, current President Philemon Yang described her as a leader defined by “an unwavering commitment to multilateralism”, praising her “Better Together” vision.Mr. Yang, who steered the Assembly through a year marked by the Summit of the Future and persistent global crises, expressed confidence in her ability to build trust and foster dialogue across divides.Secretary-General António Guterres said Mr. Yang’s successor was taking the gavel amid a “difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system,” noting she was only the fifth woman to lead the body.The UN chief warned that “conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family,” and called on the Assembly to unite in forging common solutions.The world parliamentThe General Assembly remains the UN’s most representative body, where each Member State has an equal voice – and an equal say in decisions.While its resolutions are non-binding, the GA – as the acronym goes in New York – helps define global diplomatic norms, convenes dialogues on worldwide challenges and holds the Security Council to account.The 80th session, starting 9 September, is expected to be pivotal – not only for sheer number and intensity of crises ongoing – but for advancing long-term reforms, including the UN80 initiative and the selection of the next Secretary-General before his term ends in 2026. Adapted from UN News, filtered_html

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Annalena Baerbock, President-elect of the General Assembly at its eightieth session addresses delegations after her election.

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16 May 2025

India’s human development continues to make progress, ranks 130 out of 193 countries

India continues its steady rise on the Human Development Index (HDI), ranking 130 out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) released today by the United Nations Development Programme. With an HDI value increasing from 0.676 in 2022 to 0.685 in 2023, India remains in the medium human development category, moving closer to the threshold for high human development (HDI ≥ 0.700).The 2025 HDR, titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI”, highlights the critical role of artificial intelligence in shaping the next chapter of human development—particularly in fast-growing economies like India.“We congratulate India on its notable progress in the Human Development Index, rising from rank 133 in 2022 to 130 in 2023. This advancement reflects sustained improvements in key dimensions of human development, particularly in mean years of schooling and national income per capita. India’s life expectancy reaching its highest level since the inception of the index is a testament to the country’s robust recovery from the pandemic and its investments and commitment to long-term human well-being. With a renewed focus on women-led development, quality education and healthcare for all, India is well positioned to achieve inclusive growth and continued progress on human development,” said Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India.
India’s Development: Progress with PurposeIndia’s HDI value has increased by over 53% since 1990, growing faster than both the global and South Asian averages. This progress has been fueled by economic growth and targeted social protection and welfare programmes.Life expectancy rose from 58.6 years in 1990 to 72 years in 2023, the highest recorded since the index began. National health programmes by successive governments such as the National Rural Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and Poshan Abhiyaan have contributed significantly to this achievement.Children today are expected to stay in school for 13 years on average, up from 8.2 years in 1990. Initiatives like the Right to Education Act, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the National Education Policy 2020 have enhanced outcomes. However, quality and learning outcomes remain areas for continued focus.On the economic front, India’s Gross National Income per capita rose over four times, from $2167.22 (1990) to $9046.76 (2023) based on 2021 PPP $. Over the years, India’s progress on economic growth and investments in programmes like MGNREGA, Jan Dhan Yojana, and digital inclusion have contributed to poverty reduction. Importantly, 135 million Indians escaped multidimensional poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.However, challenges persist. Inequality reduces India’s HDI by 30.7%, one of the highest losses in the region. While health and education inequality have improved, income and gender disparities remain significant. Female labour force participation and political representation lag, though recent steps—such as the constitutional amendment reserving one-third of legislative seats for women—offer promise for transformative change.Changes in HDI value and indicators between 2022-2023Key Data (Human Development Index) 20222023Rank133130HDI value0.6760.685Life Expectancy (years)71.7072.00Expected Years of Schooling (years)12.9612.95Mean Years of Schooling (years)6.576.88Gross National Income Per Capita ($ 2021 PPP)8475.689046.76India at the Forefront of AI for Human DevelopmentThe report places India in a unique position globally as a rising AI powerhouse with the highest self-reported AI skills penetration and growing domestic retention of talent—20% of Indian AI researchers now remain in the country, up from nearly zero in 2019.India is leveraging AI to deliver inclusive growth. From agriculture to healthcare to public service delivery, AI is being developed and deployed to solve complex challenges at scale. Examples include:
•    AI helping farmers access insurance, credit, and advisories in regional languages;
•    Plans for a national compute facility to democratize AI access for researchers and startups;
•    AI-powered inclusive skill development in states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana, supported by UNDP.A new global UNDP survey shows that 70% of people expect AI to boost productivity, and 64% believe it will create new jobs—with optimism highest among youth.Global slowdown in human developmentThe report underscores a broader global slowdown in human development. The 2025 HDR reveals that the current pace of progress is the slowest since 1990 – and India is no exception. Had pre-2020 trends continued, the world would be on track to reach very high human development by 2030, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal timelines. Now, that milestone risks being delayed by decades.Inequality between low and very high HDI countries has increased for a fourth consecutive year, reversing long-standing progress.Human Choices Will Shape the AI EraThe report stresses that AI’s impact is not inevitable—it is a matter of choice. Without deliberate policy and inclusive governance, AI risks deepening existing inequalities. But with the right investments and safeguards, it can become a force for opportunity, equity, and innovation.

UNDP outlines three key pathways for governments:
1.   Collaborate with AI to augment, not replace, human work;
2.   Centre human needs in AI design and deployment—especially in health, education, and agriculture;
3.   Promote innovation, embedding human values in AI from the outset.Access HDR 2025: https://www.undp.org/india/publications/human-development-report-2025NOTE: The UNDP Human Development Report Office updates the entire time series data with every new Human Development Report because of revisions and updates in the underlying data and adjustments to goalposts. To make year-on-year comparison, refer to this updated data: https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/documentation-and-downloads
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The 2025 Human Development Report , titled 'A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI', highlights the critical role of artificial intelligence in shaping the next chapter of human development—particularly in fast-growing economies like India.

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16 May 2025

UN in India launches partnership with International Purple Fest at We Care Film Festival

Films tell stories – stories of joy and sorrow, of love and pain, of triumphs and losses. Vibrant stories of lives and aspirations of persons with disabilities unfolded as United Nations in India hosted the We Care Film Festival on 14-15 May 2025. Organized in partnership with UNESCO India, Brotherhood and Apeejay Institute of Communication, the festival enthralled audiences with moving stories from across the globe.More than 250 people, including school students, young people, civil society representatives, and persons with disabilities (PwDs), attended four rounds of screenings of select films received as entries to the We Care Film Festival. We Care has been an endeavour of Brotherhood and the UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan for the last 20 years portraying the aspirations, experiences, challenges, and victories of persons with disabilities. In its 20th edition, We Care received more than 200 film entries from Iran, Russia, Argentina, Israel, Poland, and many other countries. After an intensive shortlisting and jury process, 10 films were selected for the We Care awards under three categories. In a ceremony on 15 May at the UN Office, directors and cast members of the selected films received Awards and Certificates from Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat and Chairperson, Asia Pacific Advisory Council, Mr. Guruprasad Pawaskar, Goa Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and Mr Satish Kapoor, Founding Director, Brotherhood and We Care Film Festival. The head of the jury, Ms Sminu Jindal, managing director of Jindal SAW Limited and Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, delivered her report on the film festival and the film entries received. Full list of winners:
Category: Up to 10 minutesPaper God, Islamic Republic of Iran, Director: Daniyal MahmoudniaLife of a Kitten with a Tracheostomy, Russian Federation, Director: Maria SavelevaStrong, Russian Federation, Director: Elena KotovaCategory: Up to 30 minutesLooking Inward, Russian Federation, Director: Anna VeselovaSarnevesht, Iran, Director: Yaser TalebiThe Children of Sally Bein, Germany, Israel, Director: Dan WolmanJury mention: Diagnosis: Winner, Russian Federation, Director: Irina AnnenkovaCategory: 120 minutes and aboveRoman Kostomarov: Born Twice, Russian Federation, Director: Mikhail ShchedrinskySmall World Cup, Argentina, Director: Marcel CzombosSrikanth, India, Director: Tushar HirnandaniRabb Di Awaaz, India, Director: Ojaswwee Sharma


Partnership to promote inclusion for all Mr Pawaskar launched a landmark collaboration with United Nations in India to embed international best practices and align the International Purple Festival’s vision with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)’s core principles of non-discrimination, full and effective participation, accessibility, and equality of opportunity.“Purple Fest has grown from being a state initiative to an international movement and with the United Nations, it now achieves a global platform. This year, we are focused on promoting practical, scalable solutions rooted in universal design that can be adapted by institutions and communities worldwide,” Mr Pawaskar said launching the partnership. Mr Pawaskar also announced the next edition of We Care Film Festival that will travel to the International Purple Fest Goa. Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr Sharp congratulated the filmmakers on the awards and in helping shape the narratives on disability. “We Care Film Festival is a platform that has led the way in amplifying the voices of PwDs through the power of cinema. Congratulations to all the filmmakers and partners whose commitment makes this space so vibrant, urgent, and necessary. Your films remind us that representation is not just about visibility — it is about dignity, equity, and justice,” Mr Sharp said.

  Conversation on disability in cinemaThe Festival also hosted two panel discussions to promote dialogue and awareness on disability. On day one, panelist Mr Nipun Malhotra, a disability rights activist, spoke on the portrayal of PwDs in films and television and pointed that the perception of disability was dependent on the situation and that all people were differently-abled.On day two, Joyce Poan, Chief of Education at UNESCO moderated a dialogue between Tushar Hiranandani, director of Srikanth, Ojaswwee Sharma, director of Rabb Di Awaaz and Nidhi Goyal, founder Rising Flame.“While making Srikanth, I learned about life of persons with disabilities. They don’t need our sympathy, they want to be treated equal. Films on PwDs should be entertaining so that people can laugh with the disabled characters and get the message too,” Mr Hiranandani said responding to a question on his film Srikanth. Mr Sharma emphasized on the importance of authenticity and inclusivity in making films on PwDs. “We wanted authentic representation from very first day of making Rabb Di Awaaz. Shiv, the visually disabled person, plays himself in the film. We made sure everything was accessible from the very start. Shiv was given the script in braille,” he said.   Nidhi, a gender and disability rights activist, also a stand-up comedian, talked being labelled as disabled. Nidhi said, “It is not a fun label to have. Films on PwDs help to shift away from these labels, only if they have mainstream representation. The success will be when the story of love, attraction and misery is filmed on a PwD. Film fraternity must come on board and be committed, championing the cause, so that we can say we care.”
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Screenings and insightful panel discussions at the We Care Film Festival at UN House in New Delhi.

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Press Release

05 June 2025

UN India launches ‘Plastic Pollution Literacy Kit’ ahead of World Environment Day

New Delhi, 5 June 2025 – Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations in India today launched the Plastic Pollution Literacy Kit, a new digital educational tool aimed at supporting national efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable consumption.The launch coincided with the World Environment Day 2025 which has a focus on ending plastic pollution, which falls on 5 June.The Kit is designed to provide practical, accessible information to a wide range of stakeholders — including policymakers, businesses, educators, youth, and communities. It outlines clear actions to reduce the use of single-use plastics, adopt circular economy practices, and support behavioral change at the individual and institutional levels.“This Kit is a timely contribution to India’s important efforts to tackle plastic pollution. It sets out in simple, clear language the many ways in which we can all play our part to make a difference, to create a jan andolan of change,” said Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India.Plastic pollution remains a major global challenge. Since the 1950s, more than 9.2 billion tons of plastic have been produced, with nearly 7 billion tons becoming waste. Single-use plastics — such as takeaway containers, disposable cutlery, and packaging foam — are among the most persistent pollutants. According to the OECD, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled.The Kit outlines specific roles for key stakeholder groups, including industry, academia and research, government, communities, media, young people, citizens, politicians, influencers, and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.“The only way to end plastic pollution on this Planet is to bring about behavioral change. Each stakeholder group has a specific responsibility, and we all need to collectively contribute to bringing that change. The Kit is a step towards that with some practical tips for how each stakeholder can contribute to ending plastic pollution,” said Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati, Head of UNEP India. The Kit promotes a lifecycle approach to plastic use, encouraging re-design, reuse, and recycling. It will be translated into multiple Indian languages to broaden accessibility.The English version is available here: Plastic Pollution Literacy Kit.UNEP has convened a series of stakeholder dialogues bringing together the media, youth, industry and others to craft sustainable solutions to deal with the problem of plastic pollution. [END]Media Contacts: Ms. Madhur Das, Senior Partnerships Advisor, UNEP (Madhur.das@un.org) *** , filtered_html

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Press Release

05 June 2025

Secretary-General: UNGA President-Elect Annalena Baerbock’s Vision ‘Better Together’ Crucial for Global Problem-Solving

Let me begin by congratulating Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly.And to our current President of this seventy-ninth session — Philémon Yang of Cameroon — thank you for your leadership. From day one, you have presided over the General Assembly with wisdom, vision and skillYou hit the ground running with the Summit of the Future. And since then, you have carried that work forward, taking on critical global issues, preparing for numerous milestone events in this eightieth anniversary year, working to strengthen our institution and serving as a powerful voice and advocate for Africa and its enormous potential.President Yang, thank you for your advice, guidance and deep commitment to the United Nations and multilateral solutions.President-elect Baerbock, as you prepare to lead the eightieth General Assembly, you do so at a difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system. Conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family. Mistrust and divisions are rife. The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track. Aid and development funding are drying up. And our institutions and structures still reflect the world of yesterday, not a vision of tomorrow.This is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions and to take action to confront these challenges.President-elect Baerbock’s vision — “Better together” — is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges. Her priority issues range from peace and development to reform and transparency in the United Nations.She brings a wealth of Government and diplomatic experience to this task — including serving as her country’s Foreign Minister. And let us not forget the historic significance of her being only the fifth woman to be elected President of the General Assembly.President-elect Baerbock, you can count on my full support as you take on this important responsibility.For 80 years, the United Nations General Assembly has played an indispensable role in forging consensus, finding solutions and taking action to build a better, more peaceful and equal world.As we look ahead to the end of the seventy-ninth session and prepare for the start of the eightieth, let us strive to live up to the values of solidarity and collaboration that have defined this organization from the very start.[END], filtered_html

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Press Release

05 June 2025

International Day for Countering Hate Speech

Hate speech is poison in the well of society. It has paved the way for violence and atrocity during the darkest chapters of human history. Ethnic and religious minorities often bear the brunt - facing discrimination, exclusion and harm. Today, as this year’s theme reminds us, hate speech travels faster and farther than ever, amplified by Artificial Intelligence. Biased algorithms and digital platforms are spreading toxic content and creating new spaces for harassment and abuse.The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, offers a path forward: calling for stronger international cooperation to tackle hate online, rooted in human rights and international law. To drown out the voices of hate, we need partnerships at every level: among governments, civil society, private companies and religious and community leaders. We need to counter toxic narratives with positive messaging and empower people to recognize, reject and stand up to hate speech. The United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech guides the way.The Global Principles for Information Integrity that I launched last year are also supporting and informing these efforts, as we push for a safer and more humane information ecosystem.As we mark this day, let us commit to using Artificial Intelligence, not as a tool of hate, but as a force for good. Let us stand united in the pursuit of peace, mutual respect, and understanding for all.[END]For more information and resources at the following link: https://www.un.org/en/observances/countering-hate-speech , filtered_html

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