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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14 May 2026

Interview with IFAD’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Reehana Rifat Raza

Speaking to UN News during her visit to India, Reehana Rifat Raza, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, discussed food security, fertilizer market disruptions, climate resilience, and the growing relevance of India’s rural development models for countries across Asia and the Global South.Q) What is the purpose of your visit to India, and what have been your key takeaways?A) India is a very important partner for IFAD — the International Fund for Agricultural Development — and has been a member since IFAD’s foundation in 1977.At present, IFAD has a combined investment of $1.2 billion in India, including $420 million through IFAD’s own and third-party funds. India has historically been important not only as a recipient of funds, but also as a contributor to IFAD’s mandate and replenishment.Our relationship with India is constantly evolving. India is now an important global player, and the real opportunity during this visit was to engage with the Government of India, look closely at Indian models of agricultural development, and understand how approaches used in IFAD-supported projects here can be learned from, scaled, and adapted for other countries in the region.We also had the opportunity to sign a Letter of Intent with NABARD, which will be an important partnership for us going forward.Q) You are visiting India at a time of growing uncertainty in global food, energy and fertilizer markets. Are tensions in the Middle East affecting farmers in Asia and the Pacific in particular?A) As Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, this is a major concern for me. Around 80 percent of the fertilizer absorbed by the region comes through the Strait of Hormuz, so the potential impact is huge. To call it significant would almost understate the scale of the challenge.Disruptions in the region can increase fuel costs, affect supply chains, and push up fertilizer prices. All of this directly undermines farmer livelihoods across Asia and the Pacific. Some countries are more affected than others, but for smallholder farmers — who are central to IFAD’s mandate — the impact can be especially severe.There is also considerable regional variation. I have just come from the Pacific, and one interesting lesson from some of our projects there is that work on agroecology has helped farmers reduce their dependence on external inputs. In some cases, farmers have been encouraged to use local bio-cultures and bio-sensitive fertilizers, which has helped them better manage the pressures created by the crisis.Of course, this varies from country to country. The situation in the Pacific is very different from a country like Cambodia, Vietnam, or others in the region, where the dependence on imported fertilizer and exposure to global supply disruptions may be much higher.Q) The Strait of Hormuz crisis is affecting fertilizer supplies, with concerns that this could affect harvests later in 2026 and into 2027. How vulnerable are small farmers in Asia and the Pacific, and what is IFAD doing to help prevent this?A) IFAD is essentially a financial institution, and we work with governments mainly through loans. In an emergency like this, our role is to make sure that governments can deploy the funds they have borrowed as quickly and flexibly as possible for urgent needs.For example, we may already be investing in ongoing projects, but the cost structure of everything committed this year has risen sharply. We are very aware that farmers have a very small window for planting, which will then affect harvesting later in the year. So the immediate question is: how can we make it easier for farmers to access support through existing loans?One way we do this is by restructuring existing loans, so governments have more flexibility to access and deploy those resources quickly.More broadly, this is the third major crisis we have faced in the last five years. We are learning that the way we work has to change, because we are living in a world of increasing complexity and global uncertainty. We have to design our programmes differently.Through our projects, we are also trying to strengthen farmers’ capacity to respond to such crises. That includes promoting different agricultural practices, reducing dependence on certain fertilizers, and helping farmers build more resilient systems.In terms of immediate steps, we have emergency response mechanisms within projects — the exact technical name is [unclear in transcript] — which allow us to move money quickly when there is an emergency or a climate shock. In previous crises, IFAD has also created dedicated funds that could be deployed quickly to support governments.This time, that broader mechanism is still being worked on. For now, we are using existing lending already in the pipeline and making it more easily available to governments, so they can respond quickly and support farmers on the ground.Q) As you said, there is only a small window for fertilizer to reach farmers at the right time. If it does not, crops and harvests could be affected. What immediate steps has IFAD taken to address this?A) As you said, timing is critical. Fertilizer has to reach farmers within a very specific window, otherwise planting and later harvests can be affected.What we are asking our country teams to do is to engage proactively with governments and state governments, and ask: what is the immediate need, what support is required, and how can we restructure what we already have in place to get those resources to you quickly?Often, the challenge is not only financial resources, but also the actual availability of fertilizer. That is the bigger challenge in some cases. IFAD cannot directly source fertilizer and deliver it, but what we can do is help ensure that governments have access to the financial resources they need, where supplies are available.So our immediate response is to be proactive with governments. We are looking at the funds already available within existing IFAD-supported projects — often projects worth around $30 million to $40 million — and asking how those resources can be made accessible more quickly, so governments can deploy them where they are most urgently needed.Beyond the immediate shock, the larger goal is also to help farmers and governments become more resilient to these kinds of disruptions in the future.Q) How is IFAD helping rural communities build stronger and more resilient food systems for the future?A) This is at the core of IFAD’s work. Around 45 percent of our funds go towards climate adaptation, because smallholder farmers are on the frontlines of climate change.In that sense, all our projects look at climate adaptation in some form, especially in relation to smallholder farmers. This includes providing farmers with climate-smart technologies, knowledge, and support, while also investing in climate-adaptive infrastructure where governments are willing to make those investments.We also combine this with financing, technology, and other forms of support, so that farmers have the adaptive capacity they need to respond to climate change and future shocks.Essentially, building stronger and more resilient food systems is what IFAD tries to do across all its projects.Q) At the recent Rome event, there was strong global interest in India’s development models. What are some examples that can be replicated and shared with the Global South and the Asia-Pacific region?A) Today’s discussion was very interesting because there was a lot of focus on how India is moving from cooperatives to Farmer Producer Organizations. I think this is a demand we are seeing across the region.For example, in Cambodia, there is strong interest in this model. The government is working on a project with a similar approach, looking at how existing cooperatives can be converted into Farmer Producer Organizations. That is definitely one example that other countries can learn from.Another important area is public digital infrastructure. From what I understood today, the ability to create an ecosystem and a coordinated response in agriculture depends heavily on digital platforms and infrastructure. Governments around the world are looking at this and want to learn from India’s model.At the centre of the discussion was also the importance of community-led institutions, and how they can be connected to digital platforms and integrated investments — from technology to basic infrastructure and market access.There was also discussion around Meghalaya and its hub-and-spoke model of delivery, especially in connecting individual farmers to markets that are far away.So there are many lessons here that can be shared and adapted. The technology aspect is especially important, particularly as we try to provide timely information to smallholder farmers in the face of climate change. That is a major way to strengthen information-sharing and support farmers more effectively.Q) Looking ahead, what message can India and the Asia-Pacific region offer the world about the future of food security — not only in terms of producing more food, but also investing in rural people, women, youth, and local communities? What kind of lessons can be shared?A) I think that is very interesting. What we know about women and women-led households, at least from a development perspective, is that when women have control over and access to resources, they tend to prioritise food, family, and household well-being.This is especially important in South Asia, where household dynamics, women’s vulnerability, and inequality within households remain real challenges. So, in our projects, when we work to strengthen women’s voice, autonomy, access to markets, and access to resources, we are also helping them become more self-sufficient and earn a decent income. That, in turn, helps secure food at the household level.I think there is also a lot to learn from cooperatives and how they function. These institutions can play an important role, including during food crises. As I said, we are living through a very difficult period globally, and these shocks seem to be becoming more frequent.So, looking at local institutions — how they have delivered, where they have not delivered, and how they can be strengthened — is very important. The key lesson is that community-led institutions need to be able to focus on communities first, especially in times of crisis. That will be central to building stronger and more resilient food security systems for the future.***

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09 May 2026

UN Resident Coordinator’s 1st field visit through Odisha, Gujarat

From the stone chariot wheels of Konark to the women-led cooperatives of Ahmedabad, Stefan Priesner undertook his first field visit as UN Resident Coordinator in India, travelling through Odisha and Gujarat from 3 to 9 May 2026.Over the course of a week, he met adolescent leaders challenging child marriage, women’s groups reshaping nutrition and health practices, climate advocates, tribal experts, frontline workers and senior state officials addressing some of India’s most complex development challenges.More than a series of official engagements, the visit offered a closer look at how United Nations agencies are working with governments and communities to translate global development goals into local action across maternal health, food security, gender equality, urban resilience and climate adaptation.OdishaIn Odisha, the Resident Coordinator travelled across Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark, observing community-led initiatives supported by UNICEF, UNFPA, WFP, UNDP, WHO and UN Habitat in partnership with the Government of Odisha.At an Anganwadi Centre in Chandanpur village in Puri district, he met members of ADVIKA, a platform of adolescent girls and boys working to end child marriage and strengthen youth empowerment. Supported jointly by UNICEF and UNFPA under the global programme to end child marriage, the initiative works closely with communities to encourage girls to remain in school and expand opportunities for adolescents.Women’s self-help groups and frontline workers shared how local nutrition, health and sanitation initiatives are improving access to services and strengthening awareness around maternal and child wellbeing. Discussions also highlighted the growing role of women-led community networks in driving social change at the grassroots level.Alongside community-level engagements, the visit also focused on how state institutions are responding to evolving development challenges. Meetings with district and state officials, including Deputy Chief Ministers of Odisha, centred on collaboration in areas such as agriculture, women’s empowerment, urban development, social protection and tribal development.A roundtable discussion on tribal programmes examined both challenges and opportunities in improving development outcomes among tribal communities, while interactions with youth climate leaders highlighted local innovation and climate action led by young people.The Resident Coordinator also met healthcare workers, civil society organisations and beneficiaries of a World Food Programme-supported grain banking initiative aimed at strengthening food security through technology-enabled systems.In Bhubaneswar, he visited the Smart City Integrated Command and Control Centre and reviewed efforts to strengthen urban governance and digital public systems. He also observed initiatives supporting working mothers through childcare and care economy programmes, alongside interventions focused on maternal and child health services.The Odisha leg of the visit reflected the state’s cultural heritage through visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konark Sun Temple and Odisha’s crafts museum Kala Bhoomi. GujaratIn Gujarat, the Resident Coordinator participated in a workshop on Sustainable Development Goal 5 at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment

.He also met representatives of the Self Employed Women’s Association, or SEWA, to learn how women working across India’s informal economy are strengthening livelihoods, expanding financial inclusion and building collective economic resilience through community-led models.The programme also included interactions with UN staff and discussions on development partnerships and sustainable development priorities in the state.In Gujarat, the visit further explored the relationship between heritage, livelihoods and local identity through visits to Sabarmati Ashram and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rani Ki Vav.Across Odisha and Gujarat, the visit revealed a common reality beneath very different landscapes and priorities. Whether in adolescent groups in Puri, women’s collectives in Ahmedabad or discussions on tribal development and urban governance, much of the momentum behind development efforts is being driven locally, through community networks, frontline workers and state partnerships working far from the spotlight.

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UN Resident Coordinator Stefan Priesner meets panchayat leaders, self help group members and community health workers in Chandanpur, Puri, Odisha. Photo: Blassy Boben Jose

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08 May 2026

GDP up, satisfaction down: Why we need a new way to measure progress

For decades, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been used as a benchmark of society’s progress. Yet, as the GDP figures keep ticking up, so too does a profound disenchantment with the political and economic systems tasked with serving the public. Is it time to find a new way to measure what really matters?Even people with no grounding or interest in business news will probably have heard of GDP which is frequently cited in mass media as the indicator of progress. In simple terms, GDP is the sum of everything a country produces and sells, but economists have known for years that it is fails to paint a complete picture. For example, unpaid work such as caring for children or disabled family workers is not counted as a positive. Measures of inequality are not factored in, nor is the cost of pollution or exploitation of resources. This is problematic as it creates the wrong incentives and goal posts for policy making. By chasing GDP growth alone, policy makers might not be going after what matters most for people and planet. Counting what countsThe lack of more nuanced metrics for capturing progress has long been on the radar of the international community, and was taken up a year ago, when Secretary-General António Guterres launched his High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP.Following a year of consultations, the group has released its findings through a report titled, Counting what Counts, described as “a compass for people and the planet.”It offers a first global blueprint from the UN for moving beyond the limited metric of GDP and makes a compelling case for using a broader set of measures to guide policy and decision-making.It does not argue against the use of GDP in measuring economic output but quotes a warning from the economist who pioneered the metric – Nobel laureate Simon Kuznets – that alone, it is insufficient for gauging the welfare of a nation.Speaking at the launch of the report on Thursday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres argued that GDP is being used in ways its architects never intended: “we use GDP to judge the long-term success of countries,” he said, “yet we see a huge gap between what GDP measures and what people value. GDP has become our go-to tool for international policy rules. But it does not effectively distinguish the vulnerabilities, challenges or potential faced by different countries.”Mr. Guterres also pointed to the rising prevalence of AI as a demonstration of the need for more nuanced metrics. “AI holds the potential to dramatically boost global growth and productivity. But it can equally eliminate millions of jobs and unleash the creation and use of increasingly sophisticated deadly weapons. Surely, we should not judge the merit of this technology by its effect on GDP alone.Drawing on decades of research, as well as numerous national and international attempts to find better ways to measure progress, the group offers a practical agenda that will enable governments and the international system to reduce the overreliance on GDP where it is not the right measure.The centrepiece of the group’s report is a dashboard of indicators based on four pillars: foundational principles (including peace, human rights and respect for the planet), current well-being, equity and inclusion, and sustainability and resilience.Next stepsWhile the expert group doesn’t propose an alternative to GDP that ranks countries in order, they recommend the development of a limited set of headline indicators to communicate progress more clearly to policymakers and the public.Practical steps to advance the Beyond GDP agenda are included in the report, such as the rapid adoption of national “progress dashboards,” tailored to national priorities and embedded in policy-making processes.A United Nations global reporting mechanism, including an annual progress report aligned with monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is also proposed, whilst academia, civil society, the private sector and media are encouraged to contribute through research, reporting, and substantive engagement to change the discourse and hold leaders to account on measures of progress that go Beyond GDP.“Let’s embrace these new metrics that complement GDP,” concluded Mr. Guterres, “and reveal the full picture of the challenges and opportunities our world faces at this extraordinary moment in history.” This story has been adapted from UN News Story

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08 May 2026

Interview with the UN Resident Coordinator in Bhutan

During a visit to India, Gaurav Ray, UN Resident Coordinator in Bhutan, spoke to UN News about discussions on UN reform, regional cooperation and the importance of communicating the impact of multilateralism at a time of growing global uncertainty. He also met UN agencies, development partners and embassies based in India that work closely with Bhutan.India has also been an important partner, contributing significantly to Bhutan’s development and continuing to do so. That is an important aspect of Bhutan’s journey towards graduation and beyond, says Gaurav RayInterview with the UN Resident Coordinator in Bhutan, Gaurav RayQ) What is the purpose of your visit to India, and what have been your takeaways?A) The purpose of this visit to India is twofold.First, we had the visit of the President of the United Nations General Assembly. I came to meet her and to understand how the United Nations is moving forward, particularly in terms of its reform process.The second reason is linked to our work in Bhutan. Once a year, we organise a development partners’ meeting. As you know, and as viewers may know, the United Nations has a country team in Bhutan. We have six agencies based in Bhutan, and around eight or nine more agencies based in India. This visit gives us an opportunity to interact with them, share Bhutan’s story, and hear their inputs.It is also an opportunity for United Nations agencies and important partners, including embassies and development agencies based in India, to come together and exchange views.My key takeaways from this visit are several.First, the President of the General Assembly had very interesting things to say. One point that stayed with me is that the story of multilateralism is not being portrayed very positively these days, given changes in diplomacy and in the way we are organised. Her honest feedback to us, as Resident Coordinators, was to keep sharing positive stories with people who may have a different perception of the work of the United Nations.She also emphasised the importance of highlighting how the United Nations functions in the field, and how its work with communities makes a real difference.From the meetings with United Nations partners, embassies and development agencies, another takeaway for me was the importance of constantly updating our partners about what we are doing in Bhutan.Bhutan is a very small country, located geopolitically between two major countries, China and India. So it is important to ensure that Bhutan is not forgotten, and that the valuable work being done by the United Nations is communicated consistently.The second key point is self-reflection: how can we remain relevant in Bhutan, and what is the added value of the United Nations? These are my main takeaways from this visit. Q) Bhutan recently graduated from Least Developed Country status. How would you describe this development journey, and what made it possible?A) It is remarkable, I think, the way Bhutan has developed. If you look at Bhutan 50 years ago, there were hardly any roads. People had to find different ways of getting into the country. Bhutan was a closed country. So, in the last 50 to 60 years, its development journey has been remarkable.Second, Bhutan has had a very good relationship with its neighbourhood. That has been a positive factor as it has graduated from Least Developed Country status and moves towards becoming a higher-income country. It is well on track in doing that, and it has had good partners along the way, including the United Nations. We have a very strong relationship with Bhutan, and there is great acceptance of the United Nations’ contribution and support.India has also been an important partner, contributing significantly to Bhutan’s development and continuing to do so. That is an important aspect of Bhutan’s journey towards graduation and beyond.Another very important factor is that Bhutan is a carbon-neutral country — in fact, it is carbon-negative. To maintain that, it is written into the Constitution that 60 per cent of Bhutan’s land must remain under forest cover. Right now, forest cover stands at around 70 per cent, so Bhutan is well beyond that requirement.In that sense, Bhutan’s journey is very unique. Q) Recent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have shown how global energy shocks can affect countries far beyond the region. Has Bhutan felt any impact, especially as a landlocked country?A) Bhutan faces three big challenges during this crisis.One is inflation. The prices of commodities have definitely gone up, and if this continues, it will have an impact.The second is fiscal pressure on the exchequer. Bhutan has subsidised the prices of fuel, including diesel and petrol, and it has to find the money to keep those subsidies going. I am not too sure whether this can be sustained, and if it continues, Bhutan could face a fiscal problem. That is one area we are worried about, and we are watching it very closely.The third major impact is on tourism. Bhutan is a high-end tourism market, with its policy of high impact, low volume. Tourism is being affected as we speak. So these are the three areas where Bhutan is seeing a direct impact from the consequences of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.On the positive side, hydropower has been a major strength in Bhutan’s development journey. It is green, and Bhutan has strong hydropower generation. That is one reason why the fuel crisis is not hitting Bhutan’s economy as badly as it might otherwise have done.However, the transport sector is the most affected. Bhutan’s high dependence on India for fuel, diesel and petrol is a concern, because if there is a problem in India, it definitely has consequences for Bhutan.And climate change remains one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.***

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28 April 2026

UNGA President calls for stronger multilateral cooperation during India visit

“The United Nations, multilateralism, and international law are under direct attack,” the President of the United Nations General Assembly said on Tuesday, warning of rising geopolitical tensions and increasing strain on the international system.The remarks were made during a press briefing at UN House in New Delhi, part of a day-long visit focused on strengthening multilateral cooperation and addressing global challenges. H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, who is presiding over the 80th session of the General Assembly, said pressures are mounting across the UN’s three pillars of peace and security, development and human rights.She stressed that no country can address today’s interconnected global challenges alone, citing climate change, global health crises such as COVID-19, and the economic impact of conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and disruptions to key trade routes.“Complying with international law and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals is in the interest of all,” she said. Earlier in the day, she held bilateral talks with India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, focusing on strengthening cooperation on global priorities and multilateral engagement. She described India as an important partner.She also met representatives of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to discuss governance and regulation of artificial intelligence.In meetings with the United Nations Country Team in India and representatives from Bhutan, she discussed efforts to strengthen delivery at the country level under the UN80 reform process. In an interview with UN News Hindi, she said that while multilateralism is under pressure, the United Nations remains indispensable as the only universal platform where all countries can address global challenges. She also highlighted the importance of Security Council reform, the role of the Global South, and the ongoing process to select the next Secretary-General.Beyond official engagements, Baerbock paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and visited Humayun's Tomb.

The visit to India is part of a broader trip to Asia, with further engagements in China from April 29 to 30.

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H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock during the press conference organized by the United Nations Information Centre. Photo: Blassy Boben Jose

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Press Release

11 May 2026

Interactive Dialogues with Secretary-General candidates – a pivotal moment in selecting UN’s next leader

On Tuesday, 21 April and Wednesday, 22 April 2026, candidates for the position of Secretary-General will take part in interactive dialogues in which they will outline their vision for the United Nations and answer Member State and civil society questions about their leadership experience and qualifications, reform of the UN as well as the three pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, development and human rights.The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, will convene the interactive dialogues and has stressed that they are a pivotal moment in the selection and appointment process for the UN’s next leader: “At a time of growing challenges and when fundamental principles of the UN Charter are put into question, the world needs the United Nations more than ever and a Secretary-General who can provide strong, principled, and effective leadership. The next Secretary-General will be entrusted not only with navigating political and financial challenges, but also with advancing essential reforms to ensure the United Nations is fit for the future. In times in which the UN and international law are under direct attack, the role of the Secretary-General is crucial – she or he must be the strongest defender of the UN Charter which is the foundation of the international rules-based order.”During the three-hour dialogues, candidates will be invited to present an opening statement of up to 10 minutes which will be followed by questions from UN Member States and civil society representatives to further explore their leadership skills and experience. How candidates respond to the range of questions will be a defining moment in the selection process and allow them to demonstrate their accountability to 193 Member States.“The choice for Secretary-General will also demonstrate whether the United Nations truly represents the 8 billion people we serve and the diversity of the global community in the 21st century. In this regard, civil society participation is key,” said President of the General Assembly Baerbock.During the interactive dialogues civil society organizations from around the world will be able to pose questions to each candidate.Additional information on the selection and appointment process, including interactive dialogues, can be found on the dedicated SG selection and appointment website.***

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Press Release

11 May 2026

UN Secretary-General’s Press Stakeout on The Middle East

Secretary-General: The Middle East crisis is lumbering into its third month.

Despite a fragile ceasefire, the consequences grow dramatically worse with each passing hour.

I am deeply concerned about the curtailment of navigational rights and freedoms in the area of the Strait of Hormuz.

Impeding the delivery of oil, gas, fertilizer, and other critical commodities.

Disrupting energy, transport, manufacturing, and food markets.

And strangling the global economy.

As with every conflict, the whole of humanity is paying the price – even if a few are reaping huge profits.

The pain will be felt for a long time to come.

Consider these three scenarios, based on forecasts from multiple sources:

First, one where restrictions are lifted today.

Supply chains will take months to recover, prolonging lower economic output and higher prices.

This year’s global economic growth will still drop – from 3.4 to 3.1 percent.

Global inflation – which had been declining – will climb from 3.8 to 4.4 percent.

Global merchandise trade growth will shrink – from 4.7 percent last year to roughly 2 percent – with some meaningful supply chain interruptions.

And a world still reeling from the shocks of a pandemic and the war in Ukraine will endure further economic distress.

This is the best-case scenario.

Now consider a second one, where disruption drags on through midyear.

Growth falls to 2.5 percent.

Inflation hits 5.4 percent.

32 million people are pushed into poverty.

Fertilizers run low, and crops yields fall short.

45 million more people will face extreme hunger.

Hard-won development gains are reversed overnight.

Now In a third scenario, with severe disruptions persist through the end of the year.

Inflation skyrockets past 6 percent.

Growth plummets to 2 percent.

Immense suffering takes hold, especially among the world’s most vulnerable populations.

And we confront the spectre of a global recession – with dramatic impacts on people, on the economy, and on political and social stability.

These consequences are not cumulative. They are exponential.

The longer this vital artery is choked, the harder it will be to reverse the damage.

And the higher the cost to humanity.

Developing countries will be hit the hardest, as crushing debt impedes their ability to cope.

With lost jobs, deeper poverty, and more hunger.

The crisis has already locked in losses for months to come.

Every day that ships cannot move escalates these costs and amplifies their reverberations across the global economy.

My message to all parties is clear:

Navigational rights and freedoms must be restored immediately, in line with the Security Council Resolution 2817.

Open the Strait.
Let all ships pass.

Let the global economy breathe again.

That requires more than physical reopening.

It requires shipping to be safe, predictable and insurable.

Simultaneously, I urge all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire.

I have remained in close contact with a number of parties, as has my Personal Envoy Jean Arnault.

All our interlocutors – independent of their different perspectives – recognize the need to work towards a peaceful, comprehensive, and durable resolution to the conflict.

In the meantime, the UN system is working to mitigate the impact of the current crisis.

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, is developing a framework to securely evacuate ships and seafarers from the conflict zone provided it is safe to do so.

And the head of the UN Office of Project Services, Jorge Moreira da Silva, who is leading the UN Task Force for the Strait of Hormuz, will be heading to the region to continue his active consultations for a possible humanitarian corridor to be ready if the worst-case scenarios materialize.

Dear members of the media,

Now is the time for dialogue.

For solutions that pull us back from the brink.

And for measures that can open a pathway to peace.

The world is waiting.

Thank you.

Question: Mr. Secretary-General, I hope you’ll forgive me for being a little bit off-topic today. Our colleagues at Devex are reporting that the United States has sent memos to diplomats in New York, in which it says that it aims to pay a significant portion of its 2026 dues to the UN’s regular budget on condition that the Secretary-General implement the following quick-win reforms: These include overhauling the UN pension system, ending long-distance business class travel for some senior and all mid-level professionals, and imposing additional cuts in posts in the UN senior ranks. It also says that it aims to pay a significant portion of its peacekeeping contribution if there are 10% cuts across the board at UN peacekeeping missions. Your reaction, sir?

Secretary-General: The money we are talking about is referred to as assessed contributions. Assessed contributions are an obligation of Member States. They are non-negotiable. Obviously, we will do our best to pursue our reforms, UN80, and to make sure that we make this organization as effective and as cost-effective and as able to deliver for the people we care for. But these are two separate things.
Question: Thank you, Secretary General. Can you tell us who Mr. da Silva will be meeting with in the region? Does he have appointments set up? Who will he be speaking with? And what kind of reception is he getting from the parties?

Secretary-General: He has been meeting with the representatives of all the countries that are relevant - from the United States and Iran to countries of the Gulf, to countries of the negotiating… the mediator team led by Pakistan. And he will be visiting Oman, Iran, and countries in the Gulf, in order to explain the projects that we have, which, let's be clear, are not to replace freedom of navigation. They are, in the worst-case scenario where everything is blocked, to see if there is any chance to have, for humanitarian purposes, some kind of corridor. But our objective is total freedom of navigation in the area of the Strait of Hormuz.

Question: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. My name is Sinan Tuncdemir from the Amargi. Given your experience with peace negotiations around the world, how do you assess the current prospects for the Kurdish-Turkish peace process? And do you believe it can succeed what previously has failed? And in addition, you were in Türkiye last month. I wonder if you talked to the Turkish authorities regarding the peace process, like with the Turkish President.

Question: I consider that the peace process that took place between the state of Türkiye and the PKK is an extremely important development. I think that a full normalization of that question would be to the benefit of not only Türkiye, not only the Turkish Kurds but of the whole region. Thank you.
***

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Press Release

11 May 2026

Asia-Pacific’s economic outlook under pressure from rising tensions and prices, warns new UN report

The ongoing Middle East conflict is adding fresh pressure to the economic outlook of Asia and the Pacific, disrupting energy and commodity markets, and trade and connectivity routes at a time of already high global economic uncertainty, according to a new United Nations report.The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026, released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), highlights that rising energy and food prices, along with weaker global demand, are dimming economic growth prospects and increasing the cost of living across the region.

Low-skilled workers and low-income households are particularly vulnerable, as they are more exposed to rising living costs and have limited access to social protection. High public debt vulnerabilities and likely increase in interest rates due to higher inflation expectations may constrain the ability of governments to respond to the latest economic shocks.“Policymakers are navigating rising global trade protectionism, economic policy uncertainty and geo-economic fragmentation. Their eventual impact would be disproportionate for countries with smaller room for policy support and for people having limited access to social protection,” underscored Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.
Shifting towards more resilient economic growthESCAP projects, under considerable uncertainty, developing economies in the region to grow by 4.0% in 2026 on average, down from 4.6% in 2025, and inflation to rise to 4.6% in 2026 on average, up from 3.5% in 2025, reversing recent gains in inflation stability. Despite this moderation, the region is expected to remain the fastest-growing developing region globally.However, sustaining this performance will require a gradual shift from a primarily export-driven growth approach towards stronger domestic and regional sources of demand. Key priorities in this vein include boosting productivity, expanding social protection, improving access to finance, and strengthening digital and physical connectivity across the region. Deeper regional cooperation will be critical to offset the effects of global economic fragmentation.

Aligning energy transition, climate goals with economic policyThe ongoing global energy crisis is yet another wakeup call for Asia and the Pacific to strengthen energy resilience, including through homegrown renewable energy. An energy transition could help reverse years of regression in Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action.“This is especially critical today, as we witness in real time the effects of a dependence on fossil fuels, where every conflict risks sending shockwaves through the global economy,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.However, the report cautions that transition policies must be carefully designed to avoid unintended socio-economic consequences. Measures to reduce reliance on fossil fuel, expand renewable energy and improve energy efficiency could increase inflation, weaken fiscal positions, increase poverty and widen income inequality, if not implemented in a calibrated and consultative manner.The report also finds that economic policy issues are still only weakly integrated into most national transition strategies. Policy choices will need to reflect country-specific conditions. A gradual fossil fuel subsidy cut would help cushion people’s purchasing power, especially where fiscal support to mitigate higher energy prices is constrained.Meanwhile, countries with deeper financial markets can mobilize private capital for green investment. Many least developed countries and small island developing States will require stronger international support to ensure access to affordable and reliable energy.Political economy insights can further support these efforts, according to the 2026 Survey. For example, governments can time energy transition when political popularity is high, while creating new beneficiaries in renewable energy sectors to endure reform. The report also highlights how behavioral insights can boost policy uptake, such as increasing adoption of low-carbon technologies through peer comparisons or improving public acceptance of carbon pricing when revenues are used transparently and equitably.

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Press Release

07 May 2026

UN Secretary-General’s remarks to the plenary meeting of the general assembly to launch the expert group report on “BEYOND GDP”

Secretary-General: The report we launch here today is a landmark step in correcting a longstanding blind spot in measuring progress:

The over-reliance on Gross Domestic Product.

The report and its detailed recommendations are the result of focused work by a High-Level Expert Group.

I convened the Group in response to a clear call by Member States in the Pact for the Future to develop measures of progress that complement or go beyond GDP.

Over the last year, this multidisciplinary Group of academics and policy experts lent their insights and expertise, and consulted with stakeholders around the world.

I thank them for their valuable work.

Excellencies,

GDP is the most widely used metric of economic progress and well-being.

It will continue to be an important measurement.

But it cannot be the only one.

By design, Gross Domestic Product provides a clear and concise picture of a country’s market-based output.

It is purposefully narrow in scope.

But it is now being used in ways its architects never intended.

We use GDP to judge the long-term success of countries.

Yet we see a huge gap between what GDP measures and what people value.

GDP overlooks human activities that sustain life and contribute to well-being, while failing to fully account for those that harm people and deplete our planet.

In my time as Secretary-General, the size of the global economy has risen over 50 per cent, adjusting for inflation.

But our world has not seen commensurate improvements in many of the areas that benefit humanity.

Health. Biodiversity. Job-creation. Human rights. Equality.

And even peace — with conflicts now at levels not seen since World War II.

Meanwhile, deforestation, overfishing, and the burning of fossil fuels all are counted in GDP as Madame President of the General Assembly and Madame Co-Facilitator have reminded us.

We also treat GDP growth rates as a real-time barometer of a society’s health.

But GDP does nothing to capture or predict societal unease, frustration and mistrust in institutions, and whether prosperity is being shared.

In our world of deep inequality, GDP is indifferent to whether income goes to billionaires or to the poor — or if that income goes to addressing hunger, health or deprivation.

And GDP has become our go-to tool for international policy rules.

But it does not effectively distinguish the vulnerabilities, challenges or potential faced by different countries.

We cannot assume that, simply because they have more income today, countries have no need of international assistance, as demonstrated by the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index.

Nor can we assume that the sustainability of a country’s debts can be assessed solely on the basis of what that country earns, ignoring the value of its assets and how its borrowing is being used.

Excellencies,

These disconnects are especially relevant today.

With the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence, humanity is on the cusp of a technological revolution — [comparable] to the industrial revolution.

AI holds the potential to dramatically boost global growth and productivity.

But it can equally eliminate millions of jobs, and unleash the creation and use of increasingly sophisticated deadly weapons.
Surely, we should not judge the merit of this technology by its effect on GDP alone.

Excellencies,

Our world needs a more sophisticated, more diverse, and more humane accounting system.

One that consciously aligns metrics with our actual goals — not proxy measures that obscure or hide the challenges our world is facing.

This report builds on decades of pioneering research, country-led initiatives and data development.

The Beyond GDP dashboard we are proposing is built on the vision of sustainable development and its 17 Goals.

While the Goals provide a full articulation of our aspirations for people and planet, the Beyond GDP dashboard provides a practical compass that can be used to guide every-day decisions.

The dashboard comprises a set of specific indicators focused on equitable and sustainable wellbeing in four key areas.

First — indicators around the wellbeing of our people and planet.

Work, health, education and security.

The quality of civic institutions and infrastructure.

And environmental conditions, which sustain the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat.

Second — indicators around equity and inclusion.

We can no longer accept inequality, poverty and disparities across population groups and entire regions as facts of life.

Equity is the foundation of social cohesion — and a pillar of peace.

Third — indicators around sustainability and resilience.

Focusing solely on the income we generate today is insufficient.

We must also find ways to preserve and build on countries’ existing assets and advantages — including nature and knowledge — that can power progress into the future, while addressing existential challenges like climate change.

And fourth— indicators rooted in the foundational principles of peace, human rights and respect for the planet, upon which all progress depends.

These principles are directly derived from the UN Charter.

The arrival of the Beyond GDP agenda at the UN responds to the clear call by Member States to ensure this issue is guided by UN ideals.

And it recognizes that, in our deeply connected world, what happens in one country can influence and affect what happens in another.

This global issue demands the unique global platform the UN provides.

Excellencies,

The next step belongs to Member States.

The intergovernmental process starts now.

Your role is to consider the recommendations in this report, and agree on a plan to establish, refine and institutionalize the dashboard.

Governments, civil society, media, statisticians, businesses and international organizations need to work as one to bring the indicators to life in your countries.

And international financial institutions must take these indicators into account in their decision-making processes.

You can count on the UN’s support every step of the way.

Excellencies,

Today’s report is a clear reminder:

GDP is not enough.

Growth at any cost leaves us all poorer, not richer.

The report is also a call to action.

Let’s count what matters.

Let’s embrace these new metrics that complement GDP, and reveal the full picture of the challenges and opportunities our world faces at this extraordinary moment in history.

Thank you.
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