[Check against delivery]

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon,

I would like to give a very special congratulations to both the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and the Office for South-South Cooperation on this second anniversary of the fund. Knowing multilateralism is under pressure in today’s political climate, the importance of multilateral cooperation, and how it provides solutions to the development challenges of our time, should never be underestimated.

This Fund is proof that the model of cooperation continues to thrive, and that the bonds that unite us are stronger than our differences.

The Fund is also proof of India’s determination to assume an ever more increasing role in international affairs and of India’s successful journey towards greater prosperity for its people.

India’s leadership has given the international community a dedicated avenue to helping those across the developing world, not least those countries who suffer most acutely from the impacts of climate change, poverty and a lack of resilient infrastructure.

UNOPS is the implementing arm of the UN and we are proud to be a partner in the realization of projects funded by India.

We partner with other members of the UN system, as well as together with MS directly, to ensure quality implementation of projects - at cost, on schedule, and to the highest degree of quality and transparency.

Indeed, partnerships have held a significant role in the United Nations since its inception.

Since we met last year to celebrate the first anniversary, the Fund has approved 4 initial proposals presented by governments who have selected UNOPS as their implementing partner.  

UNOPS will now present full project documentation to the Board for final approval.   

Our country offices are finalizing the documentation for these projects in the Marshall Islands, Montenegro, Nauru and Palau.

As the Executive Director of UNOPS, I have seen how partnerships promote cooperation, transfer technology and know-how, increase transparency and strengthen accountability.

In my opinion, that is proof that the work of partnerships - and indeed multilateralism itself - is required for the United Nations to be truly successful and to transform lives.

That is why, for example, India's experience with its own development can help inform the development goals and aspirations of other Southern countries, and we stand ready to be a strategic partner in this respect.

UNOPS is the implementing arm of the UN and we are proud to be a partner in the realization of projects funded by India.

We partner with other members of the UN system, as well as together with Member States directly, to ensure quality implementation of projects – at cost, on schedule, and to the highest degree of quality and transparency.

Indeed, partnerships have held a significant role in the United Nations since its inception.

Since we met last year to celebrate the first anniversary, the Fund has approved four initial proposals presented by governments who have selected UNOPS as their implementing partner.

UNOPS will now present full project documentation to the Board for final approval.

Our country offices are finalizing the documentation for these projects in the Marshall Islands, Montenegro, Nauru and Palau.

As the Executive Director of UNOPS, I have seen how partnerships promote cooperation, transfer technology and know-how, increase transparency and strengthen accountability.

In my opinion, that is proof that the work of partnerships - and indeed multilateralism itself - is required for the United Nations to be truly successful and to transform lives.

That is why, for example, India's experience with its own development can help inform the development goals and aspirations of other southern countries, and we stand ready to be a strategic partner in this respect.