Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a high-level meeting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations said that without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence. The Prime Minister highlighted that we cannot fight today’s challenges with outdated structures. PM Modi’s call for reformed multilateralism assumes special significance as it comes ahead of India taking a seat at the powerful UN Security Council as an elected non-permanent member for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2021.

As the UN marks 75 years of its existence, the 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a forward-looking political declaration that gave a clarion call for strengthening mechanism to combat terrorism, reformed multilateralism, inclusive development and better preparedness to deal with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting that the declaration also acknowledges the need for reform of the United Nations itself, Prime Minister Modi said, “For today’s interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism that reflects today’s realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare.”

PM Modi added that the world was a “better place because of the United Nations”. He paid tribute to all those who have advanced the cause of peace and development under the United Nations flag, including in UN peacekeeping missions, where India had been a leading contributor. However, he added that while much has been achieved, “the original mission remains incomplete”.

The virtual edition of a special General Assembly session to mark 75 years of the body began on September 21, 2020. All events at the UN will be held virtually for the first time in its 75-year-old history. This time, no heads of states or governments will travel to New York for the General Assembly session. PM Narendra Modi will deliver the national statement at the UN General Assembly on September 26 through a pre-recorded video statement.