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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Publication

08 July 2025

UN in India Digest June 2025

In this edition of the UN India Digest, #TeamUNinIndia takes you through some of the impactful work we've been part of this past month. From driving AI innovation in telecom networks to supporting inclusive urban planning in Odisha, and tackling plastic pollution in India, learn more about our work to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Speech

02 January 2025

Celebrating the dynamic UN-India partnership!

As we step into the New Year, it is a moment to both reflect and look forward. From breakthroughs in public health and food security to major advances in poverty reduction, technology and climate action, 2024 has proven to be another transformative year in India – as it has been for us at the United Nations in India, all 26 entities partnering with government, civil society and business across every State and Union Territory, as well as with our international development partners. Fresh off hosting the G20 presidency last year, India reinforced its role as a leading ‘voice of the Global South,’ driving international discourse on climate justice, food security and health equity among other issues central to the Sustainable Development Goals. In an era of deep political polarization and tensions worldwide, it also demonstrated the strength and resilience of its democracy, the world’s largest, with more than 640 million people voting in the national election.   In parallel, India hosted major UN gatherings on key multilateral issues old and new. At the 2024 ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, held in New Delhi, new global agreements were reached on critical issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and digital governance. With a strong focus on digital public infrastructure and emergency communications, India is at the forefront of setting digital standards that will impact the world for years to come.
  The country’s cultural heritage shone brightly on the global stage as India played host to the annual UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time. Notably, Assam’s moidams — the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty — became India’s 43rd site on the World Heritage List.

  On the ground, too, 2024 saw significant innovations across the country tackling India’s most pressing challenges with the UN proud to play a role. For example, Odisha launched a new 24-hour ‘Grain ATM’, a collaboration between WFP and the State Government. This technological advancement streamlines the public distribution system, reducing waiting times and ensuring that the most vulnerable have greater food security. UN Women led collective action on gender equality, globally the ‘unfinished business of our time’ in the words of the UN Secretary-General, while ILO convened the system to help unleash India’s unequalled potential demographic dividend.

Another major milestone was reached with India formally declaring the end of trachoma as a public health problem, overcoming one of the leading global causes of blindness. By implementing the WHO SAFE strategy — targeting treatment, prevention, and hygiene — India dramatically reduced infection rates. This success underscores the power of coordinated efforts between government, health-care workers, and international partners.  India’s digital public infrastructure continues to set global benchmarks. The U-WIN platform, supported by UNDP, has been instrumental in modernizing vaccine distribution, ensuring accessibility and equity in immunization. This leap builds on previous successes like eVIN and CoWIN, and links with work of WHO and UNICEF, strengthening India’s ability to respond to public health challenges both now and in the future.


This year saw the update and release of the India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2030) supported by UNDP. This strategic plan aims to set nature on a recovery trajectory by embracing a 'whole-of-government' and 'whole-of-society' approach.
The UN family in India also celebrated several milestones in 2024. UNICEF marked 75 years of programming in the country to improve the health, safety and rights of children, while UNFPA commemorated 50 years, having contributed significantly to advancing sexual and reproductive health, especially for women and girls.Inclusion remained a central theme of the UN’s work in India this year. A joint non-discrimination statement on the employment of persons with disabilities was signed by all 26 UN agencies operating in the country.We formed a Multilateral Coordination Group with the government to bring together UN agencies, tailor programs for the welfare of persons with disabilities, and adapt global best practices to the Indian context.

As we approach the UN’s 80th anniversary next year, the momentum gained this past year will be crucial in advancing the initiatives outlined in the Pact for the Future that was adopted by all UN Member States, including India, at UN Headquarters in September. This landmark agreement, along with its key annexes — the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations — reflects a global commitment to building a peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive future, and to making the UN more effective and relevant for dealing with tomorrow’s challenges. India’s leadership in adopting and advancing these resolutions, particularly in strengthening South-South cooperation and prioritizing the voices of youth, will be vital in shaping the future.
Across six outcome groups of the Cooperation Framework, the UN in India has consistently driven impactful results through collective action and partnerships. Just a few of the highlights include:Health and well-being: Through the U-WIN platform, over 17 million pregnant women and 59 million children have been digitally registered, and more than 264 million vaccine doses have been tracked.Nutrition and food security: More than 12.3 million Indians, including children and breastfeeding mothers, received nutritious fortified foods.Quality education: We helped train 18,000 teachers as Health and Wellness Ambassadors across 26,000 schools spanning 33 districts.Economic growth and decent work: Conducted health and safety training to improve the working conditions at nearly 300 tea-growing estates.Environment, climate, WASH, and resilience: 2.9 million tons of CO2 emissions reduced through energy conservation and climate-friendly initiatives Empowering people, communities, and institutions: Supported the government in expanding gender-responsive budgeting in six states, leading to increased funding for women’s empowerment and gender equality.One of the standout moments of 2024 was when Major Radhika Sen from the Indian Army, serving as an Indian peacekeeper in the Democratic Republic of Congo, received this year’s UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
Additionally, the fourth edition of the SDG India Index produced by NITI Aayog with support from the UN showed India’s score rising to 71 out of 100, up from 66 in the previous edition.As we enter 2025, the race to achieve the SDGs enters a critical phase. With only half of the Decade of Action left, the urgency is unmistakable. This year has demonstrated the power of purpose and partnerships. From safeguarding cultural heritage to pioneering advancements in technology, India is showing how nations can drive sustainable growth while addressing global challenges.  The United Nations, a humble partner working alongside India in this journey, remains committed to ensuring that progress benefits everyone. As I could not have begun to fully cover here the wide range of collaborations in which the UNCT is engaged, please have a look at our monthly newsletters on our website, or the annual report which will be issued within the first quarter of 2025, for more exhaustive stories of our work. The path ahead is steep, but with shared resolve, a more equitable and sustainable future is within reach. India is uniquely positioned among nations to accelerate development results at a scale and pace sufficient to give the global SDG push a vital boost, and with it optimism towards 2030.On behalf of the UN in India family, I am pleased to share our deep appreciation for your partnership in the year that was, and in anticipation of the important collective path ahead.Dhanyavaad!Shombi Sharp
United Nations Resident Coordinator, India

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Story

15 January 2025

WMO joins IMD’s 150th celebration

India recorded its hottest year on record in 2024, with extreme heat impacting human health, agriculture, water resources, and energy. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), highlighted these challenges during the 150th anniversary celebrations of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 14 January. The event, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh, celebrated IMD’s achievements and introduced Vision-2047, aimed at making India a climate-resilient nation by the time it celebrates 100 years of independence.“We aim to modernise meteorology and reduce weather-related fatalities,” Modi said. “This Vision will contribute to a sustainable future.”Saulo praised IMD’s role in disaster risk reduction and its support to sectors such as agriculture, water resource management, and public health.“IMD’s legacy has significantly enhanced India’s resilience and contributed to global efforts,” she said.India, a founding member of WMO since 1950, has been represented on its Executive Board for over 60 years, longer than any other country in the Asia-Pacific region. IMD’s role in severe weather forecasting, flash flood warnings, and seasonal climate outlooks was also acknowledged. “Accurate forecasts and coordinated disaster management have saved countless lives,” Saulo remarked, noting that IMD’s commitment to early warning systems aligns with WMO’s Early Warnings for All campaign to safeguard people from extreme weather worldwide.

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Story

16 October 2024

Global conference begins on future of digital tech standards

Thousands of tech experts, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and government officials have gathered in New Delhi for a global United Nations-run conference on the future of technology standards. The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) formally opened on 15 October in the capital’s Bharat Mandapam venue with an opening ceremony featuring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. WTSA, taking place in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time, runs until 24 October. It is being held alongside the India Mobile Congress. Held every four years, WTSA sets out priorities for experts around the world who work year-round to develop the standards established by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The assembly’s opening heard calls for universal connectivity, the need for ethical artificial intelligence (AI) and how digital inclusion can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

In his remarks, Mr. Modi stressed that “security, dignity and equity” are the principles on which discussions at the assembly and congress should be based.

“Our objective should be that no country, no region and no community should be left behind the in this digital era,” he said.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said the world had a lot to learn from what India has already accomplished with its digital public infrastructure. “This global gathering calls for bold, collective action. In the next 10 days, we can strengthen the role of international standards as the bedrock of global digital governance,” she said.

ITU's standardization work is driven by the contributions and consensus decisions of the agency’s membership, which includes 194 Member States and more than 1,000 member companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.

WTSA reviews the strategy, structure and working methods of ITU's standardization arm every four years. It also approves the mandates and appoints the leadership teams of expert groups for international standardization.

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Story

28 August 2025

Indian rice goes global in the fight against hunger

In a world where more than 670 million people still go to bed hungry each night, a powerful alliance is taking shape in India. The Indian Government and the United Nations World Food Programme have joined forces in an ambitious partnership to turn India's agricultural abundance into a lifeline for the globe's most vulnerable communities.Under the pact, India will provide 200,000 tonnes of fortified rice over five years from Food Corporation of India warehouses to support humanitarian food and nutrition needs worldwide. This Letter of Intent signed by the Indian Government allows WFP to distribute this rice to populations in crisis zones.This collaboration underscores the strength of global partnerships. By sourcing rice from India, WFP will utilize the resources of an agricultural surplus nation to deliver life-saving aid and make tangible progress against hunger."We deeply appreciate India’s steadfast commitment to fostering a food-secure and peaceful world," said Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director, WFP. "This partnership reflects our joint intent to strengthen global efforts and ensure sustained support for those in need," he added.Expressing gratitude, WFP’s Deputy Executive Director lauded India’s contribution to the fight against hunger, especially as the world faces rising food insecurity amid constrained humanitarian funding. The initiative signifies the culmination of the discussions at the February 2025 Executive Board side event in Rome, where representatives from the Indian Government and WFP explored ways to collaborate.

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20 August 2025

In Karnataka, women scoop UNDP prize

In Karnataka’s drylands, where climate change has turned farming into a gamble, a collective of women farmers is rewriting the odds and their experiment in resilience has just won global recognition. Bibifathima Swa Sahaya Sangha is one of 10 winners of the UNDP Equator Prize 2025, a biennial award celebrating Indigenous and local communities reimagining the relationship between people and the planet. What began as a savings group of 15 women has grown into a network supporting more than 5,000 farmers across 30 villages, promoting multi-cropping, solar-powered processing units, and seed banks conserving more than 250 indigenous varieties. By combining traditional knowledge with regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and market access, the collective aims to restore biodiversity, strengthen food security, and empowers marginalized women and young people as “agripreneurs”, advancing both climate resilience and social equity. Its decentralized, scalable model, now replicated across several Indian states, addresses environmental and socio-economic challenges while reinforcing the resilience of dryland farming systems. Announced on 9 August, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, this year’s prize highlights initiatives under the theme Nature for Climate Action, with a sharp focus on women- and youth-led solutions. For India, the recognition is doubly symbolic: millets — once dismissed as “coarse grains” — are now celebrated as climate-smart superfoods, gaining global attention through the UN’s International Year of Millets in 2023. This year’s other winners hail from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Peru and Tanzania, demonstrating the power of community-led solutions at the frontlines of climate change. With this cohort, the Equator Prize network now includes more than 300 community-based organizations across 84 countries since 2002. Each winning initiative will receive $10,000 and be recognized during a high-level online award ceremony later this year, with the opportunity to participate in global events including the UN General Assembly high-level period and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, this November. ***

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20 August 2025

Overcoming gender bias in AI: How UN Women’s AI School is Shaping the Future for Women Leaders

Seeking a shift from fear to empowerment, earlier this year UN Women launched a first – an AI School aimed at equipping gender equality advocates with the skills to harness AI for social change, advocacy, and organizational transformation. Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world at breakneck speed—and UN Women is making sure women aren’t left behind. Launched by their Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, the program’s reach is wide, targeting feminist leaders, climate justice activists, entrepreneurs, academics, and professionals from underrepresented communities. “We want women and girls at the policy table, in design rooms, and in every conversation shaping the AI economy,” Karim said.“This started from the urgent need to make sure women and girls are not left behind,” said Emad Karim, who leads the programme. “Our vision is to position Asia and the Pacific as a leader in AI literacy and innovation for gender equality… not just as users, but as designers, contributors, and shapers of AI infrastructure that is inclusive, safe, and responsible.” Emad Karim pointed to a glaring gap: “Research looked at over 138 countries national AI policies - only 24 referenced gender.” The School aims to change that, preparing participants to engage in policy-making, design gender-responsive AI, and address issues like bias and technology-facilitated violence.The curriculum covers everything from AI fundamentals and responsible design to sector-specific modules like AI in communications, disaster risk reduction, and climate action. “We explain when AI works best, when it doesn’t, and how to adapt it for non-profit and development contexts,” Karim said. “It’s about knowing the tools, but also the risks - privacy, copyright, trust, and when human-led storytelling is more powerful.”AI’s built in gender bias – it’s about the data models Bias in AI is a core concern. “Out of 133 AI systems analysed, 44% showed gender bias,” Karim noted. “That comes from the data—and our internet is biased. With most AI designers being men, safety considerations for women are often missed. We’re seeing an increase in deepfakes, revenge porn, stalking… most of the victims are women.”Yet, he sees opportunity: “AI can help women bypass traditional barriers. You don’t need a computer science degree to build a website or an app anymore. It can level the playing field in education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy—if we make sure access is equitable.”Impact is already visible. Success stories from participants reveal a shift from fear to empowerment—participants who once saw AI as a threat now use it to develop gender-responsive innovations.“One participant came in terrified of AI, convinced it would doom the world,” Karim recalled. “After training, she was using it to cut project timelines from weeks to hours, and she’d started speaking up in policy discussions. She told me it was eye-opening.”The new literacy calls for being AI savvyAs the School expands, including to India, Karim stresses adaptability: “We customise content for each country, looking at their AI readiness, gender gaps, and national priorities. The goal is always the same—more women and girls at the table where AI’s future is decided.”His advice to women in the AI era? “Be AI-literate—this is the new literacy. Know the models, the strengths, the risks. We shouldn’t trust AI blindly, nor reject it outright. The future of AI depends on us—on whether we design it for equality, justice, and dignity, or let it widen the gaps we’re trying to close.”This story is adapted from UN News Hindi.

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01 August 2025

India and UN join forces for South-South Cooperation to accelerate the SDGs

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the United Nations in India have launched a groundbreaking partnership aimed at sharing Indian development innovations with countries of the Global South based on their national priorities.Under the ‘UN-India Global Capacity-Building Initiative’, the UN will leverage its worldwide reach to help connect Indian best practices and institutions with other countries to help accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Initiatives include a range of actions, from skills training and knowledge-exchanges to pilot projects in partner countries, implemented through the new UN India SDG Country Fund as well as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC).Following a competitive Call for Proposals process, the first batch of selected partnerships include:UNDP and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) with content support from National Health Authority (NHA) and National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW)
Ensuring Equitable Access to Healthcare Services through Digital Health Platforms South-South Cooperation Initiative (in Zambia and Lao PDR)
WFP and the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Kundli, Haryana
Strengthening Nepal's fortified rice supply chain through South-South Triangular Cooperation (in Nepal)
UNFPA and National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA),with technical/knowledge support from the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (ORGI)
Enhancing Census Preparedness in the Caribbean: South-South Cooperation for Strengthening National Statistical Offices (in Barbados; Belize; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Suriname; and Trinidad & Tobago)
UNESCO and National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), with knowledge support from National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC)
Strengthening the Public Private Partnership Model in the South Sudan TVET Eco-system (in South Sudan) Launching the first batch of partnerships on 1 August at an event hosted by MEA in New Delhi, India’s Secretary (West), MEA, Shri Tanmaya Lal, said that “in the spirit of SDG-17 and effective international cooperation, this new India-UN initiative for global capacity-building assumes even greater importance. It is aimed at sharing experience and empowering Global South partners in key areas related to the SDGs.”UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp said that “under the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India is expanding on its already long-standing leadership role in driving South-South cooperation for SDG acceleration, leveraging the innovation and partnership power of Indian institutions and the UN system.”UN Resident Coordinator Office Chief of Staff Radhika Kaul Batra said “the India-UN Capacity-Building Initiative is enriched through a strategic collaboration with the MEA’s globally recognized ITEC programme and will take India’s best practice models and institutional excellence to partner countries.” The UN India SDG Country Fund was initiated through a foundational contribution generously made by the Gates Foundation.The launch in New Delhi is the culmination of efforts following the signing of letters of intent in September 2023 to set up the Fund and establish the wider initiative.Those letters of intent were signed by Mr. Sharp and by Hari Menon, Director of the Gates Foundation’s India Country Office, in the presence of India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar at a side event in New York during the annual UN General Assembly high-level period.

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Press Release

03 September 2025

25th SCO Summit

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Shanghai Cooperation organization, in Tianjin, China on 01 September:It is a privilege to address the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – the world’s largest regional organization by population and geography. We are moving towards a multipolar world. This is a reality – and an opportunity. Emerging economies are reshaping trade, diplomacy and development. At the same time, we see widening injustices and divisions. We need principled leadership to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the rule of law, and deliver for people – as reflected in the Pact for the Future. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is uniquely positioned to help shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future. Allow me to highlight four priorities. First – peace and security. In Gaza, the scale of death and destruction is horrific – and famine is now ravaging the population. We need an immediate and permanent ceasefire; the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; and unimpeded, safe and sustained humanitarian access.No more obstacles. No more excuses. No more lies. And we must advance concrete and irreversible steps toward a two-State solution – the only path to a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. In Ukraine, it is past time for a ceasefire leading to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace – in line with the UN Charter, international law, and UN resolutions. From Sudan to Myanmar, the Sahel, Afghanistan and beyond… we must protect civilians, promote dialogue and secure peace. Your leadership in diplomacy and de-escalation is essential, as are your efforts against terrorism and transnational threats. Second – sustainable development and finance. Debt, inequality and other crises are reversing development gains. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is working to catalyze sustainable investments. But regional efforts must be matched by global reforms.We are no longer in 1945 – and our institutions must reflect today’s realities. That means reform of the international financial architecture that ensures fair representation for developing countries. Triples the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks; Provides real debt relief and mobilizes private capital at scale. Your collective voice can help turn these reforms into reality.Third – climate action. This region is home to over three billion people – including many climate-vulnerable communities. Extreme heat. Melting glaciers. Floods. Droughts. We are reaching a tipping point and need meaningful reductions of emissions. G20 countries – responsible for 80% of global emissions – must lead. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must be respected – but all must make an extra effort. That means submitting new Nationally Determined Contributions before COP30 – aligned with the 1.5-degree limit, and global goals to double energy efficiency and triple renewables by 2030.I have invited leaders to present ambitious national climate plans at a Special Event on Climate Action on September 24. I look forward to seeing you there. We must also set a clear path to delivering $1.3 trillion by 2030. Developed countries must honour their commitments. And we need a breakthrough on adaptation. Doubling adaptation finance. Scaling up early warning systems. Building resilient infrastructure. And we must pursue a just phaseout of fossil fuels – while accelerating the renewables revolution. Your cooperation is central to this transition. Fourth – and finally – digital cooperation. New technologies bring opportunities – and risks. We need guardrails to ensure safety, inclusion, and trust. The General Assembly just established an Independent International Scientific Panel – to connect science and policy – and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – to give all countries a voice and prevent fragmentation. These mechanisms mark a breakthrough for global AI cooperation – leveraging the unique convening power of the United Nations. We have also put forward innovative voluntary financing options to strengthen AI capacity in developing countries. Once again, your initiatives can help shape approaches based on inclusion, interoperability, and human rights. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we must strengthen international cooperation for the 21st century and always put people first.In that spirit, I welcome China’s Global Governance Initiative, announced today, and the fact that it is anchored in multilateralism and underscores the importance of safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law. Together, let us bring the Charter’s promise to life, and work for a future of peace, dignity and solidarity. Thank you.

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