India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, repeated India's relentless dedication to accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during an event at the UN General Assembly. She emphasized that India's journey towards achieving the SDGs serves as an inspiring example of determination and ingenuity, offering valuable lessons to the global community.
Ambassador Kamboj expressed concern over the current status of SDG progress, highlighting that only 12% of the SDG targets are on track globally. However, she praised India's remarkable progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, which is well ahead of the 2030 deadline.
The pivotal role played by India in advancing the SDGs was showcased during the G20 summit held under India's Presidency. Ambassador Kamboj noted that the summit placed SDGs at the forefront of global discussions, underscoring the urgency of the Decade of Action. The G20 2023 Action Plan, adopted during the summit, focuses on critical areas such as digital transformation, gender equality, and a sustainable, inclusive, and just transition.
The event, titled "India Roundtable: Delivering Development: Journeys, Directions, and Lighthouses," was hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, United Nations India, and the Reliance Foundation.
During the event, ORF President Samir Saran highlighted the emergence of a new global dynamic, where actors from the Global South are actively shaping international rules and policies. He described the New Delhi G20 summit as a turning point, emphasizing its commitment to addressing the needs of the seven billion people who often remain overlooked in the global discourse.
UN Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp, while acknowledging the challenging global landscape marked by crises and inequalities, expressed optimism in India's leadership in achieving the SDGs. He cited India's robust efforts in poverty reduction, digital innovation, and women-led development as promising indicators of progress.
Reliance Foundation CEO Jagannatha Kumar commended India's remarkable economic and technological growth, particularly its pioneering innovations in recent years. He highlighted India's development journey and innovative grassroots approaches to achieving the SDGs, which can serve as models for other nations.
A special report titled "Ideas, Innovation, Implementation: India's Journey towards the SDGs" was launched during the event. The report showcases 17 Indian case studies undertaken by non-profit organizations and communities, demonstrating effective strategies for SDG implementation.
President of Global Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Christopher Elias, lauded India's successful G20 Summit, which prioritized development, equality, and prosperity. He praised India's significant socio-economic transformation, citing achievements in financial inclusion, affordable housing, sanitation, and access to essential services.
In conclusion, India's resolute commitment to the SDGs, highlighted at the UN General Assembly event, stands as an inspiring example of determination and progress, offering valuable insights for the global pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future.
