India asks developed countries to honour their commitments

UNITED NATIONS: India has asked developed countries to honour their commitments towards development assistance, particularly to least developed nations, stressing that efforts to achieve poverty eradication should be based on the principles of social justice and equity.

"While developing countries continue to address poverty eradication, the developed world must also honour their commitments with regard to development assistance, particularly to Least Developed Countries. For effective national action, it is necessary that there also be an enabling international environment," India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Bhagwant Bishnoi said.

He said the Development Agenda 2030 places people at the centre of development and recognize that poverty eradication needs to be the overarching objective of the efforts of the international community.

"It is also imperative that our efforts for the achievement of this objective be based on the principles of social justice and equity," he said here yesterday in the UN General Assembly at a session on social development.

He said while globalization and technology have brought considerable benefit to global society, the lack of equity in global processes continues to enhance inequality among and between countries, including the widening digital divide.

"In this regard, we need to emphasize that market reform and structural adjustment programmes need to focus on all people," he said.

Bishnoi highlighted the approach taken by the Narendra Modi government to promote sustainable and inclusive growth for the welfare and well being of all people in the country, without leaving anybody behind.

"The motto of the government is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' or 'together with all, development for all'. The government has accorded the highest importance to education for all, gender equality & women empowerment, skill development and Digital India," he added.