Envoys Praise India-UN Development Partnership Fund’s Global Impact

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 24: Diplomats from several countries have praised the impact of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, acknowledging its contribution to sustainable development and its emphasis on addressing the priorities of developing nations.

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations hosted the ninth annual event of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund at UN headquarters on Thursday. The gathering was attended by a visiting delegation of Indian Members of Parliament and representatives of various countries.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, thanked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation for their continued support in implementing the initiative.

Highlighting the programme’s achievements, Harish said participants had shared moving accounts of the difference made by projects at the grassroots level. He reiterated India’s commitment to sharing its development experiences and extending assistance to partners across the Global South.

In 2017, the Government of India pledged USD 150 million to help developing countries achieve their development objectives. The initiative prioritises projects driven by the needs of recipient nations, ensuring that assistance is tailored to their specific circumstances and national development plans.

Harish said India’s development cooperation reflects the civilisational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means “the world is one family”.

He described the fund as a practical expression of this principle, combining the priorities of developing nations with India’s commitment to South-South cooperation and the United Nations’ expertise and operational presence.

The initiative places particular emphasis on Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, which frequently face significant economic, geographical and environmental challenges.

According to the Indian representative, approximately USD 82 million has been allocated so far, supporting 94 projects across 64 UN member states. The programme seeks to strengthen local capacities and create opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development.

Several ambassadors attending the event shared examples of how the initiative has supported communities and contributed to national development priorities.

Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jayantha Jayasuriya, praised the fund for covering diverse areas of development. He noted that its projects respond to requirements identified by recipient countries, reinforcing the importance of respecting national priorities.

Dominica’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Philbert Aaron, expressed gratitude for India’s financial assistance to a project in the Commonwealth of Dominica. He highlighted its significance for the Kalinago Indigenous community, particularly in strengthening livelihoods and preserving the community’s identity.

Aaron said the country’s leadership had recognised the importance of the grant in supporting Indigenous people and improving their economic prospects.

Cuba’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Ernesto Soberon Guzman, described the initiative as particularly relevant amid persistent inequalities in the international system. He said such partnerships could help address structural disparities, expand development opportunities and strengthen the collective voice of the Global South.

He added that India’s leadership demonstrated how cooperation based on equality, mutual respect and common aspirations could contribute to sustainable development.

Timor-Leste’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Dionisio Da Costa Babo Soares, said the fund had become a significant example of solidarity among developing countries. Referring to his country’s experience, he emphasised that South-South cooperation could translate shared commitments into tangible benefits, especially for younger generations.

Mozambique’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Domingos Estevao Fernandes, also welcomed India’s contribution to international development cooperation. He said the fund represented a practical model of partnership founded on national priorities, equality and non-interference, while complementing traditional North-South cooperation.

Tanzania’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Togolani Edriss Mavura, expressed appreciation for India’s continued assistance in advancing sustainable development in his country.

Tuvalu’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Tapugao Falefou, said Indian investment was expected to benefit hundreds of schools and institutions. He stressed that development assistance was most effective when it reflected local requirements and the priorities of recipient communities.

Saint Lucia’s UN envoy, Ambassador Menissa Rambally, highlighted the fund’s broad contribution to economic and social development across the Global South. She described its assistance as important for capacity-building efforts and for helping countries address challenges across multiple sectors.

The endorsements from participating countries underscored the importance of development partnerships that respect national ownership and promote shared progress. Through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, India continues to support initiatives intended to strengthen institutional capacity, improve livelihoods and advance sustainable development across partner nations.