India Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Racism at UN General Assembly
India called for coordinated international efforts to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India reaffirmed its commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Sibi George, Secretary (West), delivered India's official statement at a high-level meeting marking the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), where he called for concrete, nationally led and internationally coordinated efforts to fully implement the framework.
Beyond the DDPA, Secretary George engaged in several diplomatic initiatives. He welcomed the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Sea Level Rise, emphasizing the legal continuity of statehood for vulnerable nations and the need for coastal resilience. He also participated in a ministerial meeting for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
In other engagements, George advocated for stronger international cooperation to return cultural properties to their countries of origin during a side event on reparatory justice co-hosted by Ghana, Germany, and France. He also attended a Peacebuilding Commission Ministerial meeting, where he emphasized that national ownership in peacebuilding requires inclusive development for women and youth and the decentralization of power.
