India plays an important role in the UNDEF as a long-standing member of its apex governing body, the Advisory Board

India has contributed US$150,000 to the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) for 2022, committed to supporting the Fund in complementing other UN efforts in strengthening democratic governance worldwide.

The cheque to this effect was handed over to UN Secretariat on March 30, said a statement of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

"India is a founding partner of the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF), a fund that supports projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes,” it stated.

UNDEF is an effective instrument for the promotion of democratic values and processes, the release said.

UNDEF currently supports projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes.

“India plays an important role in the UNDEF as a long-standing member of its apex governing body, the Advisory Board,” it informed.

Since its inception, India has contributed more than US$32 million to the fund and remains its third-largest contributor, underscoring India’s deep commitment to democratic values.

On Saturday, India contributed US$500,000 to the UN Women, the United Nations agency for gender equality and women empowerment for their core budget.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti had taken to Twitter to say that India “reaffirmed our valued partnership of women-led development and gender parity”.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous thanked India for its contribution and said that India’s support for UN Women remains indispensable.