LIVE: UNGA President Annalena Baerbock holds a press conference in Delhi

UN80 streamlining initiative

The UN is implementing reforms to reduce 40,000+ General Assembly mandates through sunset clauses, avoid duplication, and merge agencies to improve efficiency and agility in field operations.

Security Council reform push

After 17 years of deadlock, the PGA appointed co-facilitators to advance reforms addressing African Union representation and P5 veto accountability, including the veto initiative forcing General Assembly debate when the Council is blocked.

Historic Secretary-General selection

The transparent selection process began with four candidates heard publicly; the appointment represents a statement of intent on whether the UN will finally select a woman to lead the organization for the first time in its 80-year history.

Peacekeeping contributions

Since 1948, India has deployed over 300,000 troops to 53 UN missions, with more than 184 Indian peacekeepers making the ultimate sacrifice in service of global peace.

SDG implementation champion

India leads South-South cooperation through its UN Development Partnership Fund, specifically supporting least developed countries, landlocked nations, and small island states in achieving sustainable development goals.

Civil society engagement

Nearly 750,000 Indian students participated in a nationwide competition to design a commemorative stamp for the UN's 80th anniversary, demonstrating strong public commitment to multilateralism.

Protection of UN peacekeepers

The PGA strongly condemned recent attacks in Lebanon that killed six peacekeepers (three Indonesian, three Italian) and stressed member states' obligation to ensure safety for the nearly 600 peacekeepers deployed there.

Prevention diplomacy successes

While facing criticism over current conflicts, the UN highlighted underreported successes including facilitating peaceful resolution of water and border disputes in Central Asia and supporting peace processes in Colombia.

Defense of universal platform

Baerbock defended the UN as the only global body where all 193 nations have equal seats regardless of power or wealth, arguing that alternative arrangements cannot replace the Charter-based equality required for lasting peace.

Foundational rights under threat

Amid backlash against human and women's rights globally, the PGA cited Dr. Hansa Mehta's historic role ensuring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights refers to 'all human beings' rather than just men.

Charter as collective insurance

Compliance with international law and the UN Charter was framed not as optional but as essential 'common life insurance' for all nations, given that events like Strait of Hormuz closures affect global oil and fertilizer prices worldwide.