The core principle behind the India-UN Development Partnership Fund is that “one’s success is everyone’s success”. This fund, established in 2017, is a collaboration between the Government of India and the United Nations, with an initial pledge of $150 million. So far, it has supported 84 projects in 62 countries, addressing issues such as green energy and agricultural resilience.
In a world where traditional aid models are often criticized for their top-down approach, South-South cooperation offers a unique framework for collaboration between developing countries in the southern hemisphere. This model prioritizes mutual learning and shared solutions, creating an inclusive platform for member countries, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to work together towards global challenges.
In a recent interview with UN News, Dima al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), stated that “in this challenging global context, South-South and triangular cooperation is opening new horizons for us to catalyze progress.” India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador P. Harish, also emphasized India’s commitment to sharing its development experiences with other countries in the Global South, as a multicultural, multi-religious, and multilingual nation.
The annual report of the India-UN Partnership Fund showcases successful projects that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For example, 11 small island developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific have installed solar energy systems in government buildings, reducing carbon emissions and moving closer to their renewable energy generation target. This not only supports the transition to renewable energy but also aligns with SDG7 for affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy access.
In Kyrgyzstan, the Fund is improving maternal healthcare through telemedicine and automated systems in five hospitals. This project is crucial for reducing preventable maternal morbidity and improving healthcare access and outcomes for women and families. In Burkina Faso, a new dam is providing reliable water for agriculture and daily needs to over 8,700 people across 17 villages, transforming lives and fostering economic stability.
As the Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation noted, there are many more examples of the growing impact of this partnership. With only five years left to achieve the SDGs, the urgency has never been greater, and initiatives like the India-UN Development Partnership Fund provide a roadmap for transformative change that prioritizes equity, trust, and sustainability. This is a crucial moment to amplify these efforts, build on successes, and ensure that no one is left behind in the race towards a sustainable future.