India calls for national ownership, transparency in UN Development System reforms
New York, June 2
India on Monday underscored the importance of preserving the primacy of the United Nations' development pillar and ensuring the national ownership remains central to global development efforts during discussions at the UN Economic and Social Council.
In a post on X, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, said he participated in a dialogue with the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, who also serves as Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, during the ECOSOC Operational Activities for Development Segment.
Harish said India "underscored the importance of preserving the primacy of the UN development pillar and reiterated that national ownership must remain at the heart of all development efforts."
The Indian envoy also stressed that ongoing discussions on reforms to the UN Resident Coordinator system should remain focused on strengthening support for countries' development priorities.
"Any recalibration of the Resident Coordinator system should strengthen programme support to countries on the development pillar," he said.
Highlighting governance and funding issues related to the system, Harish emphasised "the need for transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive assessment of the development impact of the Resident Coordinator system as discussions continue on its future funding and governance arrangements."
Earlier, on May 30, the Permanent Mission of India and Austria marked the International Day of UN Peacekeepers by co-hosting a commemoration honouring nearly 4,000 peacekeepers, including 184 Indians, who made the supreme sacrifice under the United Nations flag.
45 uniformed peacekeepers lost their lives in this noble cause over the past year.
In a post on X, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish said, "Today, on International Day of UN Peacekeepers, the Permanent Mission of India & Austria proudly co-host a solemn commemoration at the Permanent Mission of India, New York. We honor the nearly 4,000 brave peacekeepers including 184 Indians who made the ultimate sacrifice under the UN flag. Specifically remember the 45 uniformed peacekeepers who lost their lives in this noble cause over the past year. Their courage & dedication to peace will never be forgotten. Lest we forget."
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations said, "India, as proud partner since 1948, has deployed nearly 300,000 troops in over 50 UN Peacekeeping Missions. 184 Indian peacekeepers made the supreme sacrifice in defence of international peace and security."
The United Nations in India also marked the occasion by honouring Major Abhilasha Barak, recipient of the 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year award. She serves with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Proud of India's role in UN peacekeeping! 184 Indians gave their lives for global peace. But development aid often comes with strings attached from big donors. India is right to demand accountability and local control. Let's hope the Resident Coordinator system actually helps countries, not just creates more red tape.
Finally! Someone at the UN talking sense. National ownership is key - every country has different needs. India should lead by example with our own development models. Also, honorable mention to Major Abhilasha Barak winning the Gender Advocate award. Women in peacekeeping is the way forward! 👏
India has contributed so much to the UN - both financially and through peacekeepers. Yet the organization often ignores our concerns. This push for transparency is critical because many UN agencies operate like black holes. We need clear metrics for development impact, not just bureaucratic reports.
Respect to all peacekeepers, especially the 184 Indians. But let's be real - the UN's development arm is often inefficient. India's call for national ownership isn't just about sovereignty, it's about making aid actually work. The West needs to stop imposing their ideas on developing countries. ✊
I appreciate the sentiment, but actions speak louder than words. India has been saying this for years. The UN reform process is painfully slow. Meanwhile, our 300,000 troops have served in 50+ missions. We need to leverage that moral authority to push for actual change, not just statements in New York.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.