UNGA President Dennis Francis to Embark on Official Visit to India

UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis is set to visit India from January 22 to 26, with plans to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and engage in discussions on sustainability, multilateralism, and Indias role in the United Nations.

In a significant development, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Dennis Francis, is set to undertake an official visit to India from January 22 to 26. During his five-day trip, Francis will engage in a series of bilateral discussions with Indian leaders, interact with civil society organizations, visit leading think tanks, participate in field visits, and take part in events centered around sustainability, multilateralism, accessibility, and digital public infrastructure.

Bilateral Discussions and Key Engagements in New Delhi

Francis's visit to New Delhi will be marked by a bilateral meeting with India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. Their discussions are expected to focus on Francis's priorities as UN General Assembly President, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and India's engagement and contributions to the United Nations. Additionally, Francis will extend an invitation to India to participate in the inaugural Sustainability Week, scheduled for April 15-19, 2024, in New York. Reflections on the upcoming Summit of the Future, to be held in September 2024 in New York, will also be part of their deliberations.

During his time in New Delhi, Francis will pay homage by laying a wreath at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial. He will also participate in public engagements, including a notable address at the Indian Council of World Affairs, where he will expound on his Presidency's theme: "Peace, Progress, Prosperity, and Sustainability."

Promoting Digital Public Infrastructure and Accessibility

Francis's visit will also highlight India's leadership in championing the interests of the Global South in the realm of digital public infrastructure. He is scheduled to deliver remarks at an event dedicated to this topic, sharing experiences and insights on further efforts to bridge the digital divide.

Exploring Jaipur and Mumbai

Francis's itinerary includes a visit to Jaipur, where he will gain firsthand knowledge of the commendable work of a non-governmental organization specializing in providing affordable and accessible prosthetic limbs. In Mumbai, the final leg of his official visit, Francis will engage in a Fireside Chat event with a prominent Indian think tank, discussing the theme of "New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism." He will also be received at the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai.

Accompanying Delegation and Conclusion

Francis is accompanied by a delegation comprising his Chef de Cabinet, Special Adviser on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, Sustainable Development Adviser, and Communications Adviser. Their presence underscores the importance of this official visit and the commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and cooperation between the United Nations and India.

The visit of UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis to India promises to be a significant opportunity for strengthening ties, exchanging ideas, and advancing shared goals in areas of mutual interest. His engagements with Indian leaders, civil society, and key stakeholders will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote peace, progress, prosperity, and sustainability both in India and on the global stage.