New York [US], January 24 : India emphasised the need for the 'revitalization' of the United States General Assembly, and reiterated its commitment to working with all member states in a constructive and forward-looking manner.
Speaking at the Thematic Debate under the purview of the Ad-Hoc Working Group on GA Revitalization, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish outlined key steps for its revitalization and highlighted the General Assembly's universal and intergovernmental nature.
"India has consistently held that the standing of the General Assembly in the UN is unparalleled. Its universality and intergovernmental nature make this congregation close to a global parliament. Sovereign equality and inclusivity are hallmarks of this assembly. We reiterate that it is important to respect its position as a primary policymaking and representative organ of the UN, both in letter and spirit," he said.
He also noted that the UN's effectiveness in addressing global issues, especially amid ongoing conflicts, would depend on the revitalization of the General Assembly.
"We live in a time where different parts of the world are marred by conflicts and violence. The burden of delivery on the UN with regard to pressing global issues is quite pronounced. The efficacy of multilateralism would be defined by the UN's ability to match these expectations," he said.
"General assembly revitalization is at the core of addressing the expectation delivery gap. Reforms hold the key on this front. I would like to make six specific points in this backdrop," he added.
Harish further made six key points to support the revitalization of the General Assembly:
"First, the UN Charter accords a preeminent position to the General Assembly. It can also consider questions relating to the powers and functions of any UN organ. Attempts to bring domains which were traditionally under the purview of the General Assembly into the fold of other organs would be an erosion of its stature and authority," he said
"Second, the President of the General Assembly is a key institution. We should accord the highest importance to it, keeping in view the key role it plays in the shaping of the UN Charter and driving the debates and processes under the assembly's purview. There should be a greater allocation of human resources and effective transition mechanisms for handover and takeover," he added.
Harish pointed out that improving working methods, adding that fulfilling foundational responsibilities should take precedence over technicalities.
"Third, working methods have a direct correlation with efficiency and effectiveness. Fulfilling foundational responsibilities is more important than technical adherence to procedural intricacies. The latter are tools that facilitate the former. They are not the primary purpose of this August forum. Therefore, reform of working methods is central to the process of revitalization," he added.
The Indian envoy further stressed that a more focused approach is needed for the six committees of the General Assembly to promote substantive discussions and relevant functional outcomes.
He also emphasised the importance of comprehensive reforms including the reform of the Security Council.
"Fourth, the work and agenda of the six committees in the General Assembly need to be rationalized and streamlined. This would enable the member states to focus more on substantive discussions and relevant functional outcomes," he said.
"Fifth, GA revitalization cannot be seen in isolation. It needs to be linked to the larger umbrella of comprehensive reforms of the UN, including that of the Security Council," he added.
Ambassador Harish highlighted the importance of the digital handbook created under Resolution 77-335, which contains past practices and recommendations for fulfilling the GA's functions. He urged member states to use this resource to guide the revitalization efforts.
"The structures and framework of the UN organs must reflect contemporary global realities rather than those of 1945. Finally, Resolution 77-335 on the revitalization of the work of the GA called on the President of the General Assembly to provide a digital handbook on past practices, data and recommendations for the fulfilment of the functions and powers of the General Assembly as outlined in Chapter 4 of the Charter," he said.
"Over the past 80 years and chapter four of the charter, the General Assembly has engaged in a wide range of peace and security-related activities. The handbook released last year is an excellent resource for member states and other stakeholders. It must now guide us in revitalizing the General Assembly's functioning," he added.
In his closing remarks, he affirmed, "India's readiness to work with all member states in a constructive and forward-looking manner on the revitalization of the General Assembly."