Will encourage India to continue to lead by example, work to bridge divides around world: UNGA president Dennis Francis

Calling India a “valuable” member of the United Nations (UN), the president of the General Assembly on January 23 said he would encourage it to continue to lead by example, maintain its principled stance for achieving lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy and to work to bridge divides around the world.

Calling India a “valuable” member of the United Nations (UN), the president of the General Assembly on January 23 said he would encourage it to continue to lead by example, maintain its principled stance for achieving lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy and to work to bridge divides around the world.

“India is already a key player, both globally and at the United Nations," president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly Dennis Francis told PTI in an exclusive interview.

Mr. Francis is on an official visit to India from January 22 to 26 and will hold bilateral discussions with the leadership and representatives of the Indian Government and engage with civil society, leading think tanks, embark on field visits and participate in events related to sustainability, multilateralism, accessibility, and digital public infrastructure, among other engagements.

"Given India’s active role at the United Nations, I can only encourage India to maintain its principled stance for advancing the objective of achieving lasting peace through dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation as well as upholding international, humanitarian, and human rights law,” Mr. Francis said.

Mr. Francis noted that in this moment of great uncertainty and escalating geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and climate change also continue to pose an existential threat to the global community.

“With the experience India has in rapid development, the country is in a better position to share experiences and best practices on sustainable development.”

"I, therefore, encourage India to continue to lead by example, to demonstrate its outstanding solidarity, and to work to not only bridge divides around the world, but to maintain the visible commitment to championing South-South and Triangular Cooperation for the benefit of the Global South,” he said.