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India Showcases Digital Rights Progress at UNHRC, Engages with ILO on Labor Reforms

India's Secretary Sibi George held key meetings in Geneva with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the ILO Director-General. He discussed India's digital journey and its impact on expanding rights and democratic participation for its 1.4 billion citizens. The talks also covered outcomes from the recent AI Summit in New Delhi and India's labor code reforms. George reaffirmed India's commitment to the ILO and highlighted the use of technology to empower workers.

Key Points: India's Digital Rights & Labor Reforms Discussed at UN Forums

  • India's digital transformation discussed at UNHRC
  • AI Summit outcomes from New Delhi shared
  • Commitment to ILO and labor code reforms reaffirmed
  • Technology's role in empowering unorganized sector workers highlighted
  • Focus on equitable AI benefits for Global South
2 min read

Geneva: Sibi George discusses India's digital journey with UNHRC, ILO representatives

India's Sibi George meets UNHRC & ILO chiefs in Geneva, highlighting digital empowerment for 1.4B Indians and tech-driven labor reforms.

"In India, we have harnessed digital tools to expand access to rights for all at scale. - Sibi George"

Geneva, March 13

India's Secretary Sibi George held separate meetings with senior international officials in Geneva, discussing issues related to human rights, labour cooperation and India's recent technological initiatives, according to a post by the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.

According to the post on X, George on Thursday met Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, where the two sides exchanged views on global human rights issues as well as India's digital transformation journey. The discussions also touched upon outcomes of the recent AI summit hosted in New Delhi.

In a separate meeting, George also met Gilbert F Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), reaffirming India's commitment to the global labour body.

The talks focused on cooperation between India and the ILO as well as ongoing restructuring efforts within the organisation.

According to the post on X, during the meeting, George briefed Houngbo on recent reforms under India's labour codes and the use of technology to empower workers in the country's unorganised sector.

Earlier, Sibi George delivered India's national statement at the Human Rights Council Item 3 General Debate.

George highlighted how digital tools and AI empower 1.4 billion Indians.

"Mr. President, as External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar, in his address to this August Council a few days ago underlined, our deliberations in this Council must move beyond statements and resolutions to tangible improvements in the daily lives of the most vulnerable. We firmly believe that a holistic and balanced approach to all human rights anchored in an integrated development paradigm is the most effective pathway to achieving this," he said.

"In India, we have harnessed digital tools to expand access to rights for all at scale. It has also facilitated access to justice, civil and political rights, democratic participation of 1.4 billion Indians, and empowerment of our women. I am happy to share that the recently concluded AI Impact Summit in New Delhi acknowledged that the power of AI is best realised only when its benefits are shared equitably by humanity, including participation of the global South," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see discussions on using tech for the unorganised sector. My chacha is a street vendor and the UPI payments have made his life so much easier. Hope they also talk about digital literacy in rural areas.
A
Arjun K
While the intent is good, I hope these discussions lead to concrete action. We talk about AI equity, but the digital divide is still very real in many parts of India. The focus must remain on ground-level implementation.
S
Sarah B
Interesting read. As someone working in tech policy, India's scale in digital public infrastructure is unmatched. The mention of the Global South's participation in AI is crucial. Hope other nations take note.
V
Vikram M
Labour codes and tech for workers' empowerment is the need of the hour. The gig economy is growing so fast, proper safeguards are essential. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
The point about moving beyond statements to tangible improvements is spot on. Let's see how this translates for the most vulnerable. The world is watching India's digital story.

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