Interaction between the United Nations, national parliaments

and the Inter-Parliamentary Union

 85th Plenary meeting in the General Assembly Hall

Thank you Mr. President. 

Let me begin by welcoming the report the Secretary General (A/76/780), which is a comprehensive catalog of information about the interaction between the United Nations, National Parliaments, and IPU over the last two years with a particular focus on achieving the 2030 Agenda, COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, human rights, gender equality, and women empowerment, besides international peace and security.  

Mr. President, 

India is the largest democracy in the world. As my Prime Minister said in his address at the Summit for Democracy in December last year, the democratic spirit is integral to our civilizational ethos, which has found full expression and has led to an unparalleled story in democratic nation-building over the last 75 years. It is a story of unprecedented socio-economic inclusion in all spheres and of constant improvements in health, education, and human well-being at an un-imaginable scale. The India story has one clear message to the world, that democracy can deliver, that democracy has delivered, and that democracy will continue to deliver.

Mr. President, 

The story of the Indian Parliament is a story of the largest democracy constantly striving for freedom and dignity; for tolerance and equality; for peace and progress. Our Parliament stands as a unique representation of the values that created our Republic – of Unity in Diversity, of Secularism, of Pluralism, and of the Rule of Law. At every turn, the people of India have, with great enthusiasm and hope, reiterated their faith in the democratic character of our State and reaffirmed the pluralistic character of our polity and society. 

The success story of the largest democracy has also seen the empowerment and uplifting of women on the socio-economic and political front. We are witnessing a rapid transition from Women's Development to Women-led development. Today India has, over 1.45 million elected female representatives in various legislative bodies including Parliament. 

The success of the democratic principle and all the institutions that it entails has defined India and its approach to relations with the rest of the world. Ever since we joined the United Nations, we have laid emphasis on the work of the General Assembly.

Mr. President, 

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), through its commitment to the Universal Declaration of Democracy and to the promotion of pluralistic systems of representative government, is an important ally of the United Nations in facing up to the challenges which confronts the world community today. Durable solutions for the enormous range of challenges and problems that most societies face require the promotion of democracy, of tolerance and of respect for diversity.

The IPU, as the world organization of more than 150 national parliaments, has done yeomen service over the last two decades in promoting closer coherence and interaction with the UN and its activities, which include peace building, human rights, gender equality, economic and social development, international law, protecting the interests of the least developed countries, and the like. Of particular relevance is the role that the IPU and its members are playing and should continue to play in the years to come, is towards cementing a culture of multilateralism and rules based international order.

In conclusion, let me reiterate that India attaches high importance to the role of the IPU and the interaction between the IPU, national parliaments, and the UN. We will continue to play a constructive role in contributing to this interaction.

I thank you. 

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