United Nations: India was overwhelmingly elected to the UN Statistical Commission, returning to the world organisation’s highest statistical body after a gap of two decades in a highly competitive election.
In the election, South Korea won over China for the other seat in the Asia Pacific States category through a draw of lots after inconclusive rounds of secret-ballot voting.
India was elected by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as a member of the UN Statistical Commission, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Programme Coordinating Board of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), an important subsidiary body of the UN organ focussed on economic, social and environmental issues.
In a highly competitive election for membership to the Statistical Commission, India secured an overwhelming 46 out of 53 votes in a secret ballot. India, along with South Korea, UAE and China were in the fray for two seats from the Asia Pacific States category.
“India elected to the highest UN statistical body for a 4-year term beginning on January 1 2024! Congrats Team @IndiaUNNewYork for coming through so strongly in a competitive election,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a tweet Wednesday.
He added that India’s “expertise in the field of statistics, diversity & demography has earned it a seat on the UN Statistical Commission.” India was a member of the Statistical Commission last in 2004 and the country is returning to the UN agency after a gap of two decades.
“The experience of India in the field of official statistics especially with regard to its diversity and demography is immense and will be a valuable addition to the functioning of the Statistical Commission,” a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of India to UN here said.
“The overwhelming support received by India in today’s elections reflects the trust reposed by the international community in India’s expertise in these bodies. Guided by the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘The World is One Family’, India will strive to make its due contributions in these and other organs, in the spirit of advancing multilateral solutions to global challenges,” the press release issued by the Permanent Mission of India said.
The UN Statistical Commission, established in 1947, is the highest body of the global statistical system bringing together the Chief Statisticians from member states from around the world.
PTI

Press Trust of India