Speeches & Statements

The release records that the Minister highlighted how Global South-led multilateral cooperation is contributing to women’s empowerment and sustainable development, and noted that the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Fund, established in 2004, has supported over 50 development assistance projects in nearly 40 countries.

She referred to a project strengthening the Women Legislative Caucus in Liberia through capacity-building and work on eliminating gender-discriminatory laws, and to a proposed floriculture project in Jordan intended to support the creation of 50 women-led micro-enterprises and provide training to 150 women in floriculture and business skills.

On India’s domestic commitment, she noted that the Union Budget 2025–26 allocated approximately USD 60 billion (₹5.01 lakh crore) towards gender budgeting, an increase of over 8 per cent on the previous year.

The Ministry’s announcement records that the Minister would deliver India’s national intervention during the General Discussion and address the High-Level Meeting on “Violence against Women and Girls”, highlighting India’s initiatives towards women-led development, strengthening access to justice, and ensuring the safety, dignity and empowerment of women and girls.

The priority theme of the session was ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and addressing structural barriers.

The release records that the Minister outlined India’s whole-of-government approach to women-led and inclusive development, covering social protection, education, health, nutrition, skill development, digital empowerment and women’s economic participation, and shared India’s experience with Self-Help Groups, Direct Benefit Transfer, PM POSHAN school meals and digital public infrastructure.

She also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, sharing details of the Pankhudi Portal and encouraging the community to support Anganwadi centres and childcare homes, including through voluntary and philanthropic contributions.

The Ministry recorded that India would participate in the 63rd session under her leadership, and that she would present India’s statement at the Ministerial Forum on the priority theme on Tuesday, 11 February 2025.

The delegation also contributed to discussions on “Policies to Bolster Social Resilience in the Context of More Frequent and Complex Crises” and on universal rights-based social protection systems, highlighting policies aimed at strengthening social resilience.

The release carries the sub-heading: “This decade has laid the foundation for a New India led by Nari Shakti : Smt Savitri Thakur”.

It records that she highlighted how the transformation of Anganwadi infrastructure, the introduction of digital tools including Poshan Tracker, and the training of frontline workers have made Anganwadi Centres more responsive and efficient in delivering essential services.

The release records that, interacting with students, she underscored the song’s role in fostering national unity and drew inspiration from former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s emphasis on education and knowledge. It records that she stressed the importance of lifelong learning and equal opportunities for girls, and enquired about the children’s aspirations.

The release notes that the inaugural national event was held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Culture.

The release records that, on Temi Tea, she stated it is recognised nationally and internationally for its quality and distinctive identity and is not only a symbol of Sikkim’s heritage but also a driver of local employment, tourism and economic growth.

On inspecting the Food Godown at Namthang, it records that she emphasised that timely food security for citizens in far-flung areas remains a priority of the Government, and issued directions to strengthen the supply chain.