UNGA president elect calls on Modi

Mogens Lykketoft, the president-elect of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly, on Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed many issues related to the world body.

Modi congratulated Lykketoft on his election as the president of the UNGA session which would begin with the UN Summit for the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Modi said he was looking forward to participating in the Summit on September 25.

The prime minister noted that many of the Sustainable Development Goals, which form the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, were being implemented through the government's flagship programmes like Swachh Bharat, Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Smart Cities and Jan Dhan Yojana, said an official statement.

Modi emphasised that the 70th UNGA session was a crucial moment for the UN. It would be important to ensure that the UN meets the high expectations of the people.

In this regard, Modi called for securing concrete outcome on the long-pending issue of reform of the UN Security Council, and strengthening the legal framework to combat terrorism through early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Lykketoft briefed the prime minister on his priorities for the 70th session.

He specifically mentioned his priorities as renewing global partnerships for implementation of SDGs, climate change issues, improving the effectiveness of the UN's contributions to international peace and security, and improved response to humanitarian situations.

Lykketoft acknowledged that India, as one of the largest democracies in the world, and one of the biggest contributor to the UN peacekeeping operations, should have greater role in the decision-making bodies at the UN.

Modi reiterated India's commitment to continue supporting the UN peacekeeping operations.

Both exchanged views on the issues related to climate change and, in this context, expressed hope that the COP-21 Conference in Paris would come up with productive outcome to the satisfaction of the developing countries, said the statement.