UNSC Open Debate Future-proofing Trust for Sustaining Peace

[Wednesday, 3 May, 2023]

Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Thank you, Mr. President.

Let me begin by extending our congratulations on the first ever Swiss Presidency of the United Nations Security Council. We also thank the delegation of Switzerland for organizing today’s Open Debate on a very interestingly titled topic ‘Futureproofing Trust” for Sustaining Peace.

2. The three key issues raised in the Presidency’s Concept Note for today’s debate which are anchored in the UN Security Council include:

a) Inclusion - through equal and meaningful participation of all stakeholders.

b) Normative Frameworks that eliminate inequalities.

&c) Facts: that draw upon the potential of new technologies to improve UNSC effectiveness.

3. From our delegation’s perspective, if we have to “future proof” or secure the future, we need to, first and foremost, draw the right lessons from history.

Is the UNSC in its present form, which denies permanent representation to entire continents of Africa, Latin America and the world’s largest democracy – can it be deemed to be “inclusive”?

By making five members more equal than others in this very room, does the UNSC’s normative framework eliminate inequality or does it tend to perpetuate it?

Will we be able to credibly improve the UNSC effectiveness at any stage, when it is a ‘fact’ that we don’t even have a time frame for concluding the decadal discussions on UNSC reform?

And can we actually be “futureproofing” trust for sustaining peace through the UNSC till we arrive at credible answers to these core questions.

Mr. President,

4. The reform of the UN Security Council is the fundamental starting step towards ‘Futureproofing Trust for Sustaining Peace’. Multilateral institutions must be made more accountable to their membership, they must be open and welcoming to a diversity of viewpoints, particularly from the global South. The Council must be made more representative of developing countries if it is to continue to engender trust and confidence in its ability to provide leadership to the entire world. It can deliver effective solutions only if it gives a voice to the voiceless.

5. The Security Council should also respect the regional approach adopted by countries involved, and work in collaboration with regional organizations to address peacebuilding challenges. We believe that regional organizations have an important role to play in tackling global challenges, with the UN at the core of multilateral efforts.

6. A comprehensive approach focusing on sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, and political processes is critical for Peacebuilding and sustaining peace. India’s fundamental approach to peacebuilding efforts is anchored in respect for national ownership and the developmental priorities of member states. India has always played a constructive and significant role in the context of peacebuilding through its extensive development partnerships with countries of the Global South. India continues to assist countries through bilateral and multilateral fora in post-conflict situations, through its extensive network of development partnership assistance. Our engagement has been wide-ranging, encompassing key sectors such as infrastructure, housing, education, health, connectivity and improving livelihoods.

7. India remains unwaveringly dedicated, Mr. President, to peacebuilding and sustaining peace. In keeping with the theme of our G20 Presidency ‘One Earth One Family One Future’, India is committed to forging consensus through the G20 process in the effort to find solutions to global challenges.

Thank you!