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

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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.

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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.”

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15 January 2025

Responsible business can follow ‘profit with principles’, UN roundtable hears

These were the main topics of the roundtable, Apparel sector in India: A strategic case for responsible business conduct, organized by the United Nations in India to highlight the importance of responsible business practices in the textile and apparel industry.Professor Surya Deva of Macquarie University, an international expert on business and human rights, was the key speaker at the roundtable, highlighting India’s leadership in driving change towards responsible business and the industry’s readiness to comply with national and global regulatory changes.Representatives from the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), clothing brands including Tata Trent, Reliance Brands, Peppermint, Spykar, Blackberry, Bonsoir, Fritzberg and La Romani and Lacoste, and exporter Matrix Clothing shared their experiences and expertise on driving sustainability in their operations and value chains, as well as challenges related to compliance, especially in the micro small medium enterprise (MSME) sector.Professor Deva emphasized the need for industry to look at “profits with principles” and the crucial role that businesses play towards their communities, environment and the wider planet. He gave an overview of the changing international regulatory landscape and the impact on Indian businesses, given the interconnectedness of global supply chains. “I strongly believe that business leadership must adapt to this transformation,” Professor Deva said. “Businesses are here to make profit and if they make profit, they promote human dignity and development. They provide employment and fair wages, contributing to inclusive growth.But the ‘Business and Human Rights’ agenda cannot be one-size-fits-all. This is where UN agencies in India can support with pathways that help businesses become responsible.”The textile and apparel industry has a considerable ecological footprint, accounting for 2% to 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, 215 trillion litres of water per year, 9% of annual microplastic to the oceans and $100 billion worth of material losses. Presenting the industry’s perspective, Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI, told the roundtable said that “there is awareness about sustainability and human rights in businesses, even in small manufacturers. What we need to do is to get the concepts out of seminar rooms and bring them to the real world. It will be difficult and will take time. But we are moving in that direction. We are showing the industry that we can adopt these practices and still stay profitable.”Sanjay Rastogi of Tata Trent presented the regulatory frameworks followed by the group and made mandatory for their vendors to make their business responsible. He spoke about how Tata has embedded human rights into its business, including the value chain, frameworks and assurance mechanisms.The roundtable was opened by UN Resident Coordinator in India, Shombi Sharp, who underlined the commitment of UN agencies in India towards mainstreaming sustainability and circularity in the textile industry. He said: “Responsible business isn’t just a goal – it’s a strategy – for enterprise resilience, value creation and success in an evolving global market. The UN team in India is already engaging significantly with the textile and apparel sectors, but so much more we can do together, with industry stakeholders such as CMAI.”Mr. Sharp talked about India’s ancient and modern brand in textiles and apparels and how the industry is not only an economic pillar but a soft power of the country. He spotlighted the UN’s long-standing partnership with clothing brands and the Ministry of Textiles as part of Project SU.RE that was launched in 2019.Project SU.RE or Sustainable Resolution is an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles, Reliance Brands Limited, CMAI and the UN in India. The project represents the Indian apparel industry’s largest voluntary commitment to sustainability. This collaboration not only empowers signatories to transform into sustainable brands, but through sharing of best practices, it seeks to reduce the footprint of the sector, both locally and globally.Aside from his academic work, Professor Deva is the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development. He is currently visiting India in his personal capacity.***

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10 January 2025

UN report forecasts robust growth in Indian economy

India's economy is set to grow at 6.6% in 2025, maintaining its position as a major driver of global growth at a time when the overall world economy is projected to remain relatively stagnant, according to the United Nations' flagship economic report.Presenting the 2025 edition of the annual World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report at UN House in New Delhi on 9 January, Dr. Nagesh Kumar, former Director of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), highlighted that South Asia is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing region. The region’s GDP is anticipated to grow by 5.7% in 2025, fueled by India’s robust economic performance and recoveries across neighboring countries.As the largest economy in South Asia, India is expected to see 6.6% growth this year and 6.8% growth in 2026, driven by strong private consumption and investment.
While lower inflation and anticipated monetary easing across economies could boost global activity in 2025, the report identifies significant challenges ahead. Geopolitical conflicts, escalating trade tensions, and high borrowing costs pose particular risks to low-income and vulnerable countries, potentially hampering progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).A notable highlight of the report is the emerging opportunity in critical minerals for energy transition. South Asian nations, among other developing countries, stand to benefit from the rising global demand for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.

Access the full report here: https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/world-economic-situation-and-prospects-2025/

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The near-term outlook in South Asia is largely favourable, with growth forecast to ease slightly from 5.9% in 2024 to 5.7% in 2025, according to the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025. India, the largest economy in the region, is projected to grow by 6.6% in 2025.

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20 December 2024

Spec-ifying a clearer tomorrow

For a decade, Mr. Mohan Rongpeh watched his world grow increasingly blurry. As a primary school teacher in rural Assam, he struggled silently with failing eyesight, fearing the loss of his livelihood. His wife, Ms. Sunduki Tarang, a traditional weaver, harbored the same secret. Their story reflects a hidden crisis: over half of India's population experiences some form of visual impairment due to what is known as refractive errors, a problem that could easily be fixed with a pair of prescription spectacles.The numbers are striking. Globally, only 36% of people with myopia (near – or short – sightedness) a type of refractive error, have access to proper spectacles. More than 800 million people suffer from near vision impairment that reading glasses could easily remedy. The economic cost is staggering—vision-related productivity losses total $411 billion annually. To address the unmet need to provide quality, affordable and people-centred refractive error services, World Health Organization (WHO) has launched SPECS 2030. The global target is to increase effective coverage of refractive error by 40% by 2030.SPECS 2030 was launched in India in November in Assam, at an event featuring government officials, researchers, health-care experts and NGOs. WHO is assisting the Government of Assam in the phased roll-out of the initiative, starting with demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness in diverse settings. One model is Guwahati-based Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya’s (SSDN) community-focused initiative that provides comprehensive screening at the doorstep in rural and remote areas, free spectacles to correct refractive errors, and referral for treatment/ surgery. The initiative benefited Mr Rongpeh and Ms Tarang, who were tested by trained eye-care workersfrom SSDN in their home in a village on the outskirts of Guwahati and given free spectacles.The results are transformative. Take Moni Ram Ingti, a basket-weaver who recently received his first pair of glasses. "I was doing fine without them," he says, "now I'm doing better." His experience has created a ripple effect—his brother now seeks similar care.Yet challenges persist. Poor awareness, limited integration with healthcare systems, and high out-of-pocket costs hamper progress. Dr Lakshmanan S., mission director of National Health Mission Assam, envisions creating a scalable "Assam model" with upgraded infrastructure, stronger human resources, and efficient procurement systems. The stakes are high. If successful, Assam's experiment could provide a blueprint for vision care across India and beyond. As WHO's Representative to India, Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, notes, India could emerge as a global leader in refractive error correction—transforming lives one pair of spectacles at a time.***

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20 December 2024

UNESCO launches the 2024 State of the Education Report for India on Culture and Arts Education

UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia has launched the sixth edition of its annual flagship report, “Rhythms of Learning”, the 2024 State of the Education Report for India, focusing on Culture and Arts Education.This year’s report explores the significant role that culture and arts education plays in fostering creativity, promoting inclusive and equitable education, strengthening social cohesion, and advancing sustainable development. In a country like India, where culture and arts are deeply embedded in its heritage, integrating these elements into the education system is crucial for holistic and inclusive learning. “This report is the first study of the adaptation of UNESCO’s Framework for Culture and Arts Education to a national context, providing a tailor-made approach that reflects the specific cultural and educational needs of India. This report will contribute to further promoting the role of culture and arts education in India by providing insightful information and practices for all. Culture and arts education is a transformative tool for fostering creativity, critical thinking and empathy – essential skills for addressing the complex challenges of today’s world,” said Tim Curtis Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia The report, authored by the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology, uses a mixed-methods approach, combining secondary data analysis, policy reviews, research literature, interviews, and an online survey. It highlights exemplary case studies and initiatives from various regions of India, showcasing successful practices and innovative strategies in culture and arts education.“The Department of School Education and Literacy and UNESCO have a shared mission of promoting India’s rich cultural diversity. I am, therefore, happy to know that the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia has brought out the sixth edition of the State of the Education Report for India on the theme of ‘Culture and Arts Education’. I hope this report will further inspire educational initiatives that harness the power of culture and arts,” said Shri Sanjay Kumar Secretary Department of School Education & Literacy, in his video addressThe report aligns with UNESCO’s Framework for Culture and Arts Education, adopted earlier this year at the Abu Dhabi World Conference, and provides a roadmap to strengthen access, equity, and institutionalization of arts education ecosystems across India. These goals align with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, both of which promote innovative strategies like Art-Integrated Learning (AIL) and emphasize the importance of preserving traditional and local knowledge. The report concludes with ten concrete recommendations for education sector stakeholders, aimed at enhancing the role of culture and arts education in India. These recommendations include: Create a culture and arts education steering committee to promote culture and arts education; Enhance rural-urban connectivity through culture and arts education; strengthen teaching capacity in culture and arts education; Promote culture and arts education for comprehensive lifelong learning; Employ technology to enhance accessibility of culture and arts education; Establish centres of excellence in culture and arts education; Launch new undergraduate programmes in culture and arts education; Establish a national culture and arts educational repository; Create an effective assessment system for quality implementation of culture and arts pedagogy; Establish a culture and arts education fund.The launch event also featured a live instrumental musical performance curated by the Naadvistaar Foundation, underscoring the report’s central theme of integrating arts and education to inspire creativity, cultural pride, and shared humanity. To illustrate the report in an accessible manner, the following audio-visual package is also available free of copyright on UNESCO New Delhi’s YouTube channel: Summary video underlining the recommendations of the reportShort capsules highlighting the key recommendations of the report

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Press Release

15 January 2025

UN General Assembly President unveils priorities, paving the way for a productive and successful session

These priorities range from financing for development and eliminating child labour to achieving peace and security in Africa. These priorities are expected to inject new vigour into the work of the UN General Assembly.“As with all our priorities, we will be measured by our actions. My team and I intend to “walk the talk” and deliver on my promises to you, the Member States of the United Nations,” stated President Yang. “For the challenges we face, require that we commit to work together to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves,” he added.President Yang’s priorities for the resumed session address the three pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. These priorities are:Peace and security in AfricaCombatting the illicit use of small arms and light weaponsPreserving human dignity in armed conflictEliminating child labourFinancing for development, andTurbocharging the SDGs, including through digitalization. Multilingualism and the empowerment of women will be cross-cutting issues at the core of his priorities for the session. With its membership of 193 Member States, the General Assembly stands as the most powerful platform for multilateral discussion on the full spectrum of international issues.The landmark Pact for the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, adopted in September 2024, have set the stage for a renewed international system that is responsive to the realities of today’s world and the challenges of tomorrow.The President will support Member States in advancing implementation of the Pact for the Future during the resumed session by convening three informal dialogues. These dialogues will be an opportunity to engage in open, inclusive and action-oriented discussions to shape the path forward.“Unity in Diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone, everywhere” is the theme of President Yang’s mandate. The cornerstone of his Presidency will be built on the principles of unity in diversity, fostering an environment where every voice is not only heard but valued.The 79th Session of the UN General Assembly is charged with delivering on numerous mandates, some of which have already been executed successfully. Many more are planned for 2025 which include: the High-level meeting to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth; the World Social Summit for Development; and the High-level meeting to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.[END]

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Press Release

16 January 2025

International Expert on Business and Human Rights interacts with apparel industry on Responsible Business conduct

15 January 2025, New Delhi: The United Nations in India this week convened an interactive roundtable on Responsible Business Conduct in the Textile and Apparel sector with an international expert on business and human rights and representatives from the apparel industry and UN agencies in India. The roundtable focused on Indian industry’s leadership in driving sustainability in responsible business and its readiness to comply with national and global regulatory changes and due diligence processes.Responsible business practices help industry to manage environmental risks, strengthen worker trust, and help industry stay ahead of consumer and regulatory expectations. Professor Surya Deva of Macquarie University spoke about the need for industry to look at an agenda of profit with principles and the crucial role that businesses play towards communities, environment and the wider planet. He gave an overview of the changing international regulatory landscape and the impact on Indian businesses, given the interconnectedness of global supply chains. “I strongly believe that business leadership must adapt to this transformation,” Professor Deva said. “Businesses are here to make profit and if they make profit, they promote human dignity and development. They provide employment and fair wages, contributing to inclusive growth. But the Business and Human Rights agenda cannot be one-size-fits-all. This is where UN agencies in India can support with pathways that help businesses become responsible.”Representatives from the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), clothing brands including Tata Trent, Reliance Brands, Peppermint, Spykar, Blackberry, Bonsoir, Fritzberg and La Romani, Lacoste, and exporter Matrix Clothing shared their experience and expertise on driving sustainability in their operations and value chains, as well as challenges related to compliance, especially in the Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector. “There is awareness about sustainability and human rights in businesses, even in small manufacturers. What we need to do is to get the concepts out of seminar rooms and bring them to the real world. It will be difficult and will take time. But we are moving in that direction. We are showing the industry that we can adopt these practices and still stay profitable,” said Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI.Presenting best practices from Indian industry, Sanjay Rastogi of Tata Trent provided an overview of how they have embedded human rights into their business, including the value chain, frameworks and assurance mechanisms. UN Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp underlined the commitment of UN agencies in India towards mainstreaming sustainability and circularity in the textile industry. He said: “Responsible business isn’t just a goal – it’s a strategy – for enterprise resilience, value creation and success in an evolving global market. The UN team in India is already engaging significantly with the textile and apparel sectors, but so much more we can do together, with industry stakeholders such as CMAI.”The roundtable was part Project SU.RE or Sustainable Resolution, an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles, Reliance Brands Limited, CMAI and UN in India. The project represents the Indian apparel industry’s largest voluntary commitment to sustainability. This collaboration not only empowers signatories to transform into sustainable brands, but through sharing of best practices, it seeks to reduce the footprint of the sector, both locally and globally.Aside from his academic work, Professor Deva is also the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development. He is currently in India in his personal capacity.[END]

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Press Release

15 January 2025

International Expert on Business and Human Rights interacts with apparel industry on Responsible Business conduct

15 January 2025, New Delhi: The United Nations in India this week convened an interactive roundtable on Responsible Business Conduct in the Textile and Apparel sector with an international expert on business and human rights and representatives from the apparel industry and UN agencies in India.
The roundtable focused on Indian industry’s leadership in driving sustainability in responsible business and its readiness to comply with national and global regulatory changes and due diligence processes.
Responsible business practices help industry to manage environmental risks, strengthen worker trust, and help industry stay ahead of consumer and regulatory expectations.
Professor Surya Deva of Macquarie University spoke about the need for industry to look at an agenda of profit with principles and the crucial role that businesses play towards communities, environment and the wider planet. He gave an overview of the changing international regulatory landscape and the impact on Indian businesses, given the interconnectedness of global supply chains.
“I strongly believe that business leadership must adapt to this transformation,” Professor Deva said. “Businesses are here to make profit and if they make profit, they promote human dignity and development. They provide employment and fair wages, contributing to inclusive growth. But the Business and Human Rights agenda cannot be one-size-fits-all. This is where UN agencies in India can support with pathways that help businesses become responsible.”
Representatives from the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), clothing brands including Tata Trent, Reliance Brands, Peppermint, Spykar, Blackberry, Bonsoir, Fritzberg and La Romani, Lacoste, and exporter Matrix Clothing shared their experience and expertise on driving sustainability in their operations and value chains, as well as challenges related to compliance, especially in the Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector.
“There is awareness about sustainability and human rights in businesses, even in small manufacturers. What we need to do is to get the concepts out of seminar rooms and bring them to the real world. It will be difficult and will take time. But we are moving in that direction. We are showing the industry that we can adopt these practices and still stay profitable,” said Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI.
Presenting best practices from Indian industry, Sanjay Rastogi of Tata Trent provided an overview of how they have embedded human rights into their business, including the value chain, frameworks and assurance mechanisms.
UN Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp underlined the commitment of UN agencies in India towards mainstreaming sustainability and circularity in the textile industry. He said: “Responsible business isn’t just a goal – it’s a strategy – for enterprise resilience, value creation and success in an evolving global market. The UN team in India is already engaging significantly with the textile and apparel sectors, but so much more we can do together, with industry stakeholders such as CMAI.”
The roundtable was part Project SU.RE or Sustainable Resolution, an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles, Reliance Brands Limited, CMAI and UN in India. The project represents the Indian apparel industry’s largest voluntary commitment to sustainability. This collaboration not only empowers signatories to transform into sustainable brands, but through sharing of best practices, it seeks to reduce the footprint of the sector, both locally and globally.
Aside from his academic work, Professor Deva is also the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development. He is currently in India in his personal capacity.
For more details, contact: Shachi Chaturvedi (shachi.chaturvedi@un.org)

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Press Release

14 January 2025

G77 - Secretary-General: I Applaud your Group for Pushing Maximum Ambition and Justice for All

I commend Uganda’s stewardship of the G77 and China over the last year. And I congratulate Iraq as it assumes the Chairmanship for 2025. Iraq was a founding member of the G77 60 years ago. And I welcome your focus on accelerating support for developing countries, especially as we approach the deadline for the 2030 Agenda. This vision cuts to the heart of your group’s purpose and function. As a voice of justice for developing countries. As champions of equality, poverty eradication and the Sustainable Development Goals. As strong supporters of our reform efforts to advance gender parity, focus on country-level results, and improve the effectiveness of our work. As a constant wellspring of ideas to revitalize key UN bodies -- including the committees of the General Assembly and ECOSOC. And -- always -- as keepers of the flame of multilateralism. We are living through a period of devastating conflicts and violence -- from Gaza to the wider Middle East, to the Sahel to Ukraine and beyond. A period of climate disasters that have battered many of your countries with deadly heatwaves, melting glaciers, droughts, rising seas, floods and storms -- while constraining already limited fiscal space and erasing development gains.A period in which the Sustainable Development Goals -- and the futures of millions of people around the world -- hang in the balance. A period defined by a widening digital divide, and technological advancements racing ahead of our ability to govern them for the good of humanity. And a period of deep mistrust and divisions that are becoming more and more entrenched. It is in your countries where the impacts of these crises are most keenly felt. But thanks in great part to your tireless efforts, we saw a new flicker of hope at September’s Summit of the Future. The Pact for the Future adopted at the Summit is a sign of a new solidarity among countries. Along with the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, the Pact proves that countries can rally around reform.These are not just agreements. These represent a promise that countries can unite to reshape a multilateral system that serves all people and all countries. And they represent a global recognition that -- for too long, in too many ways -- developing countries have been handed a raw deal. A raw deal on finance -- in which development is deferred, time and again, by a lack of adequate and affordable finance and grinding cycles of debt service. A raw deal on climate support -- with countries denied the resources required to build resilience and avert climate catastrophe they did little to cause.And a raw deal on representation at key decision-making bodies -- from the global financial architecture, to the governance of groundbreaking technology, to the UN Security Council itself. When looking at these challenges, we cannot forget the decades, even centuries, of injustice, violence and coercion inflicted on many of your countries.The long shadows of colonialism, slavery and unchecked resource extraction continue to loom today.And the multilateral machinery the world has used since 1945 to build peace, provide finance and govern global relations has proven to be woefully unfit to meet today’s challenges.It has failed to adequately deliver the level of support your countries need and deserve.And more fundamentally, it has kept your voice from being fairly heard and heeded at key decision-making tables.The Pact’s clear commitment to expand representation on the Security Council and to reform the international financial architecture are important examples of global commitments to update our institutions to better reflect, and address, today’s realities. I applaud your group of countries -- individually and collectively -- for pushing for maximum ambition and maximum justice for all. As this year begins, let’s keep pushing to deliver on the Pact of the Future’s commitments. Later this week, I will deliver an address on priorities for the coming year. Suffice it to say, 2025 must be a year of keeping promises to developing countries. To intensify our efforts to make the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for all people in all places. To put an end to poverty and hunger, transform education and create jobs, and provide equitable and affordable access to energy, technology, finance and markets -- essential elements for developing countries to prosper.And to ensure developing countries can access the financial resources required to fuel development. We need Multilateral Development Banks that are bigger, bolder and better, enabling them to massively scale up affordable financing for countries in need. We need pre-emptive action to help countries in or near debt distress, so that they can refocus on investing in the SDGs. We need a debt resolution architecture that works in a more timely and effective manner for countries in crisis. And we need an open, predictable, inclusive multilateral trading system that can help developing countries build links to global value chains, drive prosperity and fight poverty. The world must also keep its promises on climate. By sparing no effort to keep 1.5 degrees alive through a reduction in global emissions of nine per cent every year to 2030.  By ensuring a just transition from fossil fuels to renewables.  And by putting forward new, economy-wide national climate action plans by COP30 that align with 1.5 degrees.  The biggest countries -- the G20 -- must lead.But all countries need to step up their ambition, in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Developing countries need a surge of support to adapt and protect your people from deadly climate impacts. Developed countries must honour their commitment on climate finance -- including a doubling of adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year. Multilateral Development Banks must ensure concessional finance is deployed where it is most needed, factoring in the structural vulnerabilities you’re facing. And it’s high time to address the injustices of the energy transition. It’s absurd, for example, that Africa is home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources -- but only two per cent of global investments in solar power. And we must ensure that critical mineral resources in developing countries benefit them, first and most, by maximizing their participation in value chains. Finally, the world must keep its promises on ensuring effective guardrails for emerging technologies. The Global Digital Compact includes the first-ever universal agreement on the governance of Artificial Intelligence that brings every country to the table. We must ensure that all countries benefit from AI’s promise and potential to support widespread development and social and economic progress. As we look to the big challenges ahead for the year, you can count on me to continue standing with the G77 and China.Let’s keep fighting for justice. Let’s ensure that 2025 is a year in which promises made are promises kept. Thank you. [END]

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Press Release

14 January 2025

International Day of Education 2025

Education is a basic human right and an essential building block for every person to reach their full potential, and for societies and economies to grow and flourish.Today’s rapid technological breakthroughs -- like Artificial Intelligence -- hold enormous promise to support students of all ages across their learning journeys. But the tremendous rewards are matched by some daunting risks. As AI-driven systems become more powerful, human intention and machine-driven impacts can easily misalign. This year’s International Day of Education reminds us that unlocking the potential of Artificial Intelligence also depends on keeping human agency -- and human rights -- at the heart of this rapidly evolving technology. We must ensure that Artificial Intelligence supports students and teachers through access to information and cutting-edge curricula and other learning tools. And we must work to guarantee that all users have the tools and knowledge required to use this technology smartly, safely and ethically -- including through UNESCO’s Competency Frameworks to support learners and teachers as they incorporate Artificial Intelligence into their learning. The recently adopted Global Digital Compact includes further critical steps to help ensure that humanity retains control over the development and governance of Artificial Intelligence, rather than the other way around. Artificial Intelligence must never replace the essential human elements of learning. On this important day, let’s commit to keeping humanity at the centre of education systems, everywhere. [END]

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