Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
UNSG Guterres says, terrorism is absolute evil and no reasons can justify terrorism

Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres (UNSG) on Wednesday UNSG commenced his visit to India, by paying tributes to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai.

UNSG paid tribute to the victims. He said they’re heroes of our world. “Terrorism is absolute evil. No reasons, pretext, causes, grievances can justify terrorism. It has no room in today’s world. I feel deeply moved to be here where one of the most barbaric terrorist acts in history took place where 166 people lost their lives” UNSG said.

Speaking on the occasion at IIT Bombay  “India@75: UN-India Partnership: Strengthening South-South Cooperation”, Guterres said, India’s recent development journey is characterized by high impact programme delivered at scale, which includes world’s largest food-based social protection scheme and the massive expansion access to clean water and sanitation services.

“I’m delighted to celebrate with you, the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. I congratulate India on its achievement over the last 75 years as the world’s largest democracy and now as the fastest-growing major economy” UNSG said.

He informed that India is among the biggest providers of military and police personnel to UN missions, that includes the first all-women police contingent peace-keeping mission. He said, over two hundred thousand Indian men and women have served in 49 peacekeeping missions since 1948.

Guterres expressed serious concerns about the impact caused on mankind by climate change, COVID-19, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. 

He also appreciated India’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlighting India’s donation of medicines, equipment, and vaccines at the height of COVID-19 pandemic, he also noted that humanitarian assistance and finance in Afghanistan and Srilanka is increasing India’s impact on the international stage as a reason India is today a partner of choice to the United Nations. The UNSG also praised India’s support in mobilizing G20 countries around debt relief. 

Guterres is on an official visit to India from 18-20 October 2022. This is UNSG’s first visit to India, since he commenced his second term in office in January 2022. He had earlier visited India in his first term from 01- 04 October 2018.

Tomorrow, On 20 October 2022 in Kevadiya Gujarat, UNSG will share the stage with Prime Minister Modi at the launch of the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) booklet, logo and tagline. 

The concept of LiFE was introduced by the PM during COP26 at Glasgow in November 2021. PM had then urged the global community of individuals and institutions to drive LiFE as an international mass movement towards “mindful and deliberate utilisation, instead of mindless and destructive consumption” to protect and preserve the environment.

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