India at the UN highlights lifting 250 million people out of poverty and reaffirms its commitment to food security.

New York [US], October 18: India reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring food security for its vast population through various initiatives at the United Nations, while emphasizing that 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty.

Sneha Dubey, India's First Secretary at the UN, delivered the country's statement during the General Discussion of the Second Committee on the eradication of poverty, agricultural development, food security, and nutrition.

Dubey attributed India's success to targeted policy interventions by the government, which empower marginalized and vulnerable communities.

In her statement, she noted that global poverty levels have been rising in recent years, alongside an increase in multidimensional poverty.

"In India, 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty, and the government has developed targeted policy interventions to empower marginalized and vulnerable sections of society. The gender gap has begun to close, and skilling youth is a key priority," she said.

Regarding the role of Digital Public Infrastructure, the First Secretary stated, "India has ensured inclusive, integrated, and equitable development by deploying Digital Public Infrastructure."

She reiterated India's commitment to food security for its vast population through various initiatives, including the National Food Security Act, Digital Agriculture Mission, and PM POSHAN.

Additionally, Dubey emphasized that India is a founding member of the Alliance of Poverty Eradication, which addresses global poverty through a multi-dimensional approach.

"India has taken the lead in promoting the nutritional qualities of millets by commemorating 2023 as the International Year of Millets," Dubey added.

Notably, on December 19, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolutions from the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) on agricultural development, food security, and nutrition; eradicating rural poverty; agricultural technology for sustainable development; combating sand and dust storms; and natural plant fibers.

The resolution on agricultural development, food security, and nutrition stressed the urgent need for concerted action at all levels to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition, expressing deep concern over the high global levels of hunger, which have increased by 122 million people since the Covid-19 pandemic.