PM Modi's Speech At UN Today; Climate Change, Terrorism Likely On Agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to deliver a virtual address at the annual UN General Assembly today. PM Modi’s speech is scheduled to happen at 6:30 pm. While the Prime Minister will speak on wide-ranging issues from sustainable development to global peacekeeping efforts, his speech will also focus on the key issues of climate change and terrorism, sources have said.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s UN General Assembly is being held virtually, as almost all world leaders are delivering their speeches in a pre-recorded video format.

The annual UN General Assembly debate is held at the United Nations office in New York. 2020 marks the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which was started in 1945, after the end of World War II.

Prime Minister Modi’s office tweeted last evening, confirming his scheduled speech for today.

PM Modi is scheduled as the first speaker before noon, and his speech will be aired at 9 am local time (New York) – 6:30 pm in India.

Some of the priority issues for India at the ongoing 75th session of UN General Assembly will be to push for strengthening global action against terrorism, sources told NDTV.

They said that India will pitch for more transparency in the process of listing and de-listing of terror entities and individuals by the UN sanction committees.

“Being one of the largest troops contributing nations to the UN, India will also seek to engage intensively in finalising of mandates for the UN peacekeeping mission,” they said.

India will also focus on issues such as climate change and those relating to sustainable development, as New Delhi regards these as issues of priority.

Amid the global pandemic of COVID-19, India is likely to highlight its role as a “pharmacy to the world” while highlighting its contribution to global cooperation against COVID-19 by aiding more than 150 countries, sources told NDTV.

India’s priorities will be to ensure inclusive and responsible solutions for international peace and security, effective response to international terrorism, new orientation for a reformed multilateral system, technology for all and streamlining of UN peacekeeping.