India Collaborates with UN to Launch 4 New Projects under Global Capacity Building Initiative for Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
International
In August 2025, the Government of India (GoI) officially launched the 1st phase of four developmental projects in partnership with the United Nations (UN), under the “India–UN Global Capacity Building Initiative (GCBI),” to help nine partner countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The projects were inaugurated by Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), along with Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator, in New Delhi.
- These projects aim to support countries from the Global South in implementing the SDGs through knowledge sharing and South–South cooperation. The nine participating nations are Nepal, Zambia, Laos, Belize, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and South Sudan.
- The four projects launched cover distinct areas: Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management (Nepal), Development of Digital Health Platforms (Zambia, Laos), Training in Census Preparedness (Belize, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago), and Vocational Training Initiative (South Sudan).
- These projects are supported by various UN bodies such as the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Main Point :- (i) The India–UN Global Capacity Building Initiative (GCBI) was first introduced by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar during India’s G20 Presidency at the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2023. It is jointly steered by the GoI and the UN to strengthen cooperation with developing nations across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
(ii) The programme functions under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) framework, offering 12,000 training slots annually with over 400 specialized courses. As of now, more than 2.25 lakh professionals from 160 countries have benefited from these initiatives.
(iii) The selected training courses for the nine partner countries are scheduled to begin by September 2025. The training modules will be conducted across institutions in India with participation from nominated officials and professionals of the respective countries.
About Ministry of External Affairs of India(MEA)
Union Minister : S. Jaishankar
Headquarters: New Delhi
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