The Impressive TimesUnited Nations, September 8, 2024 : As the 78th President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) wraps up his term, Dennis Francis has underscored India’s significant role in advocating for multilateralism on the global stage. In an exclusive interview, Francis lauded India as a prominent leader within the UN, emphasizing its steadfast commitment to multilateralism. Francis, who will hand over the presidency to former Cameroonian Prime Minister Philemon Yang on September 10, commended India for its active role in global diplomacy. He described India as an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of multilateral principles, acknowledging its efforts to shape global affairs positively. “India’s dedication to multilateralism is greatly appreciated by the United Nations,” Francis remarked. Francis expressed optimism about India’s future contributions, noting the country’s large democratic framework of 1.4 billion people. He highlighted India’s ongoing pursuit of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a goal that reflects the nation’s ambitions to play a more influential role in global governance. “India’s aspirations for a permanent seat on the Security Council are well-recognized,” he said, while acknowledging that the timing and manner of Security Council reforms are subject to future discussions among member states.
The UNGA President also praised India’s proactive approach in South-South cooperation. He highlighted India’s significant contributions as an advanced developing nation, particularly in sharing its expertise with other countries in the Global South. Francis noted India’s advancements in digitalization and technology, emphasizing that these developments are crucial for economic growth and poverty alleviation. “Digitalization acts not only as an essential component but also as a powerful driver of economic development,” he remarked. During his tenure, Francis visited India in January 2024, engaging with officials, civil society, and think tanks on topics such as sustainability, multilateralism, and digital public infrastructure. His visit included meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and visits to Jaipur and Mumbai. Looking ahead, Francis expressed hope for meaningful outcomes from the upcoming ‘Summit of the Future’ on September 22-23, 2024. He anticipates that world leaders will adopt the Pact for the Future, which aims to address critical global challenges like climate change and nuclear tensions. The summit will also feature the Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. Francis reaffirmed his belief in the vitality of multilateralism despite some skepticism. “Multilateralism is very much thriving and continues to be a vibrant and effective process,” he affirmed. He expressed eagerness to work with India’s new Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, and continued support from the UNGA.
In conclusion, Francis’s remarks underscore India’s pivotal role in international diplomacy and its ongoing commitment to global cooperation.
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