The UN has acknowledged that India is critical in determining the success of the SDGs globally
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) Amina J Mohammed (second from left) arrived in New Delhi on Monday (July 3, 2023) on an official visit that will see discussions on India's achievements on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate Action.

The UN DSG's visit from 3-5 July, 2023 is her first visit to India since her reappointment to the position for a second five-year term in January 2022.

According to the MEA, the visit will be an opportunity to exchange views on India’s ongoing G20 Presidency and its achievements in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ahead of the SDG Summit in September this year, and issues related to Climate Action in context of developmental priorities.

While in India, she will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V. Muraleedharan, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, and India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

During her India visit, ​the UN DSG will also be travelling to Bengaluru where she will be interacting with experts from premier information and technology research institutions and industry representatives. The meetings are intended to discuss India’s achievements in the digital technology domain that could be replicated in the Global South for addressing developmental challenges.

"The visit is a reflection of India’s abiding commitment to multilateralism, including through its contribution to the UN and its ongoing G20 Presidency, in addressing global challenges meaningfully," the MEA pointed out.

2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, based on the principle ‘Leave No One Behind’, was adopted by 193 Member States at the UN General Assembly Summit in September 2015, and came into effect on January 1, 2016.

Speaking at the Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, “Sustainable development of one-sixth of humanity will be of great consequence to the world and our beautiful planet. It will be a world of fewer challenges and greater hope; and, more confident of its success”.

The 17 SDGs include No poverty, Zero hunger, Good health and wellbeing, Quality education, and Gender equality.

The UN has acknowledged that "India is critical in determining the success of the SDGs, globally". According to the UN, its Country Team in India supports NITI Aayog, Union ministries and state governments in their efforts to address the interconnectedness of the goals, to ensure that no one is left behind and to advocate for adequate financing to achieve the SDGs.

NITI Aayog has been entrusted with the task of coordinating the SDGs, mapping schemes related to the SDGs and their targets, and identifying lead and supporting ministries for each target.