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Jaishankar said the world must critically assess whether the UN has lived up to expectations amid intensifying conflicts, economic disruptions, and climate concerns
S Jaishankar addresses the UNGA | Image: X
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday questioned the effectiveness of the United Nations in tackling global challenges, noting that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) show “a sorry picture” as the 2030 deadline approaches.
Addressing the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar said the world must critically assess whether the UN has lived up to expectations amid intensifying conflicts, economic disruptions, and climate concerns.
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“There are two significant conflicts underway – one in Ukraine, and the other in the Middle East. Innumerable other hotspots don’t even make the news. The slow progress of the SDG Agenda 2030 presents a sorry picture,” Jaishankar said.
On climate change, the minister criticised the lack of concrete action. “The reality is of recirculated commitments and creative accounting. If climate action itself is questioned, what hope is there for climate justice?” he asked.
Jaishankar also pointed to inequities exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, saying access to vaccines and even travel reflected “open discrimination.”
He highlighted how energy and food security became “the first casualties of conflict and disruption, especially since 2022,” with wealthy nations securing resources while poorer countries struggled to survive.
The minister further flagged concerns over trade and technology, accusing non-market practices of distorting global regimes.
He said tariff volatility, uncertain market access, and overdependence on limited suppliers have forced countries to consider “de-risking” strategies.
“Heightened technology control, grip on supply chains and critical minerals, and the shaping of connectivity are all sensitive challenges,” Jaishankar noted, adding that protecting sea lanes and ensuring an equitable global workplace remain unresolved.
He concluded that each of these issues demands greater international cooperation, not less, and pressed the UN to reflect on where it has “actually made a difference.”
About the Author
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be…Read More
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be… Read More
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September 27, 2025, 23:48 IST
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