27 April 2012: In his address at the Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, India, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on India to develop economic policies that encourage more inclusive and sustainable development.

In his remarks to university students, Ban noted that India, as the world’s largest democracy and an emerging economic leader, proves “that democracy and development are one and the same path.” He highlighted the importance of: sustainable energy; tackling human rights challenges; improving the health of women and children; rethinking approaches to, and goals of, sustainable development particularly at the upcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20); partnerships for innovative solutions; social movements; deepening South-South cooperation; the voices of youth in sustainable development; and multicultural tolerance.

During his visit to India, the UN Secretary-General also met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss, among other issues, the role of India in the world and to thank India for its contribution to UN peacekeeping efforts. [UN Secretary-General’s Statement] [UN Press Release]