New York – India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, delivered a compelling address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), calling for a reformation of the United Nations to better address the challenges of the 21st century. In his speech, Jaishankar emphasized the need for a more inclusive, democratic, and effective UN and took a veiled swipe at Canada over recent terrorism-related tensions.
Jaishankar began by acknowledging the changing global landscape, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, and the impending climate crisis. He stressed that the UN must adapt to these evolving challenges, asserting, “The world is changing, and the UN must change with it.”
Climate change emerged as a pivotal issue in his address. Jaishankar underscored the urgency of climate action, insisting that nations cannot postpone addressing their historical responsibilities in this regard. He urged countries to unite in their commitment to decisive climate action.
In a thinly veiled reference to Canada, with whom India has experienced diplomatic tensions, Jaishankar called upon UN member states not to allow “political convenience” to guide their stance on “terrorism, extremism, and violence.” He cautioned against selective adherence to principles of territorial integrity and non-interference, stressing that such principles should not be selectively applied.
Addressing concerns of global inclusiveness, Jaishankar highlighted India’s role in initiating the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. He suggested that this achievement should motivate the United Nations to restructure the Security Council, aligning it with current global realities.
Jaishankar concluded his speech by drawing attention to vaccine disparities, describing them as “vaccine apartheid.” He emphasized the importance of preventing such inequalities from recurring and urged against the exploitation of markets to divert essential resources away from the needy.
As the UNGA continues, Jaishankar’s address serves as a significant call for reform within the United Nations and highlights India’s commitment to addressing pressing global issues.
