Hope, optimism, and solidarity at the end of 2021

Dear friends, namaste!

Once again, we enter the new year with uncertainty… The world continues to fight the pandemic… More people have slipped into poverty in the last two years than recent decades... And climate change is threatening our future… But I also see hope, optimism and solidarity. Especially here in India... I arrived in this remarkable country as the UN Resident Coordinator only 6 weeks ago and I am hopeful. I am hopeful because India is… the world's largest democracy, with a burgeoning youth demographic that if nurtured can power prosperity for decades to come… A leader in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals, the path to development for all… A country whose growth trajectory is guided by the principles of sustainability and equity. India is indeed on course to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement ahead of time... And a champion of multilateralism committed to peace and security in this complex world...

Friends, 2021 was a pivotal year - for our UN Country Team, for India and the world. As in 2020, much of our focus was on supporting India in responding to the challenge of the pandemic. During the tragic days of the COVID-19 surge, we mobilised our resources and capabilities and stood together with India - supporting frontline workers with essential supplies and critical training. We also supported the Government’s vaccination drive - the largest in the world - which will soon deliver a remarkable one-and-a-half billion doses. And we remained committed to India’s sustainable and inclusive recovery, and the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals to leave no one behind.

Our planet was a particular focus this year. Every one of our agencies stood up for climate action, meaningful measures to limit global warming and build resilience. Friends, I am pleased to say that in the year ahead, as India celebrates 75 years of independence, we will finalise our new Cooperation Framework with the Government - outlining our enduring commitment to India’s resilience and development priorities.

I look forward to building on the notable success of our longstanding partnership with the Government of India, civil society and the international community - one that has delivered such substantial results in the past year, thank you! And let me also thank our UN Agencies and personnel in States across the nation,for their dedication and hard work through a challenging yet decisive year, ready for the promising path ahead. Aap sabhi ko do hazaar baais ki hardik shubh kaamnaye! Dhanyavaad!