External Affairs Minister of India (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar visited to New York to preside over two High-Level Ministerial signature events of India’s ongoing Presidency of the UN Security Council on 14 and 15 December 2022.
The High-Level Ministerial Open Debate held on 14 December is on the theme of “New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism” [NORMS] and the High-Level Briefing on 15 December is on “Global Approach to Counter Terrorism – Challenges and Way Forward”. Both these themes was the key priorities for India at the UN Security Council.
The primary focus of the Open Debate on Reformed Multilateralism is to encourage all Member States to seriously address the pressing need for reforms in the global governance multilateral architecture, including the long-standing reforms of the UN Security Council. The meeting was also witnessed briefings by Secretary General of the United Nations and the President of the 77th UN General Assembly.
Separately, the High-Level Briefing on Counter Terrorism seek to promote consensus amongst Council Members on the broad principles of a global counter-terror architecture and aim to further build upon the Delhi Declaration adopted during the Special Meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee held on 28-30 October in Mumbai and New Delhi.
During the visit, EAM was also unveilled Mahatma Gandhi’s Bust at the premises of the UN Headquarters. The bust, a gift from India to the United Nations, was the first Gandhi sculpture that was installed at the UN Headquarters.
EAM also launched a “Group of Friends for Accountability for Crimes against Peacekeepers”. It may be noted that during India’s August 2021 Presidency of the UN Security Council, a resolution was adopted unanimously on ensuring accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers. Along with India, the “Group of Friends for Accountability for Crimes against Peacekeepers” had Troop Contributing Countries like Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Morocco and Nepal, as its co-chairs.
EAM also held discussions with the UN Secretary General and President of the General Assembly, as well as bilaterally engage with his counterparts attending the High Level Signature Events of Indian Presidency. A special photo exhibition showcasing India’s initiative on “International Year of Millets 2023” along with a millets-based lunched and also hosted by EAM for UN Secretary General and UNSC member states.