Commemoration of the Third Anniversary of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund

14 September 2020, 9:00 to 10:30 am

Remarks by H.E. Kshenuka Senewiratne, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

Your Excellency Ambassador Tirumurti,

All protocol observed,

South-South Cooperation is an important element in driving the development and resilience of the South, especially, during this time of need, exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. Sri Lanka applauds and congratulates the Government of India on its UN Development Partnership Fund, on this occasion of celebrating its third year of establishment.

India’s leadership and dedication in formulating an inclusive response towards the LDCs, LLDCs, SIDs and developing countries, through the projects implemented in the thematic areas, ranging from employment & livelihoods, gender equality to climate resilience provides the much needed support for the national developmental priorities of such countries. The Commonwealth window of the UN-India Fund is also noteworthy as an effort of including many other countries of that family, who have their unique developmental challenges.

Permit me to quote the great Mahatma Gandhi, who rightly said that ‘the future depends on what we do in the present.’ This initiative of India truly reflects these erudite words having given way to single country sponsored South-South Cooperation. It is important to further strengthen our synergies today, for the betterment of the South, by exploring partnerships for technological transfer, technical assistance, expertise and skills. This unique model of South-South Cooperation makes an important contribution to this end, by providing the required financial assistance. We are confident that the India-UN Fund would be able to facilitate more transformational sustainable development projects in the identified countries, and on this occasion wish the Partnership greater success in its future activities.

Thank you.