New Delhi: The President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), Dennis Francis will visit India from 22-26 January 2024.
Mr. Dennis Francis is arriving in India at the invitation of External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar.
"Belonging to the diplomatic service of Trinidad and Tobago, H.E. Dennis Francis has announced his Presidency priorities to include peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability. The theme of his Presidency of the 78th UNGA is "Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity.” During the visit, PGA will hold talks with EAM on key multilateral issues of mutual interest", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its press release on January 20.
In New Delhi, PGA will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. PGA is also to attend a round table on India's advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). PGA will also deliver a public address at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on "Multilateralism and Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability" on 24 January 2024.
The PGA 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.
In New Delhi, the PGA will hold a bilateral meeting with the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar. The discussions are expected to focus on the PGA's priorities, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and India's engagement and contribution to the United Nations, reiteration of invitation to participate in the inaugural Sustainability Week (15-19 April 2024, in New York) and reflections on the Summit of the Future, which will take place in September 2024, in New York.
Mr. Dennis Francis will deliver remarks at event on Digital Public Infrastructure highlighting India's leadership in championing the interests of the Global South and sharing experiences on further efforts to close the digital divide.
PGA will also travel to Jaipur and Mumbai. In Mumbai, he will pay floral tributes at the 26/11 memorial. PGA's engagements in Mumbai will include a visit to the National Stock Exchange and an address on New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the MEA said.
On 26 January, on the occasion of Republic Day, PGA will participate as a State guest in the Republic Day Parade of Maharashtra.
In the last part of his official visit, the PGA will travel to Mumbai to participate in a Fireside Chat event with India's think tank on "New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism". He will also be received at the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai.
"As part of his official travels, the President of the General Assembly will engage with the UN Country Team led by Mr. Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Coordinator in India, to appreciate the work by the UN system on the ground. The PGA will be accompanied by his Chef de Cabinet, his Special Adviser on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, a Sustainable Development Adviser, as well as a Communications Adviser. Travel costs for the PGA and his delegation are covered by the Government of India and the OPGA’s Trust Fund", the United Nations said in the press release on January 21.
PGA's visit to India presents a unique opportunity to strengthen India-UN ties and especially with the General Assembly, which is the most representative organ of the United Nations. Discussions during the visit would include India's call for reforms of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to make it more equitable and representative with a view to enhancing representation of developing countries.
The visit will also be an opportunity to enhance India's collaboration with the United Nations on Indian priorities as well as the global challenges being faced by the Global South.
