In the backdrop of WHO facing criticism over COVID-19 origins prorbe&nbsp;and the World Bank discontinuing its flagship Ease of Doing Business report following alleged irregularities, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pointed to holes in the functioning of the United Nations, saying that the global body must rise up to the occasion and restore its credibility.

Addressing the 76th UN General Assembly, the prime minister, while quoting Indian diplomat Chanakya, said, “When the right action is not taken at the right time, then it is time itself that causes the action to fail.”

“If the United Nations wants to remain relevant. It will need to improve its effectiveness and enhance its reliability," he said.

The prime minister appeared to be referring to a report of independent scrutiny by leading US law firm WilmerHale which showed that China in 2017 manipulated its data to improve its ranking in the Ease of Doing Business index.

The UN’s health agency, World Health Organization, was also criticised for mishandling the COVID-19 outbreak --which first surfaced in China in December 2019-- due to Chinese interference..

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-at-unga-covid-taught-world-that-global-economy-should-be-more-diversified-415901">PM Modi at UNGA: Covid taught world that global economy should be more diversified</a>

Former US president Donald Trump had slammed the WHO as a “puppet” of China and accused it of covering up the start of the outbreak and allowing the virus to spread around the entire world.

Modi said that today, all kinds of questions have been raised about the UN.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-of-a-tea-seller-is-addressing-un-for-fourth-time-pm-modi-hails-strength-of-indian-democracy-415903">Child of a tea seller is addressing UN for fourth time: PM Modi hails strength of Indian democracy</a>

"We have seen such questions being raised, related to the climate crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

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“With regard to the origin of COVID-19 and the ease of doing business rankings, institutions of global governance have damaged the credibility they had built after decades of hard work," he said.

“It is essential that we constantly strengthen the UN, in order to safeguard global order, global laws and global values,” Modi said.

In a veiled reference to China’s military expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region, Modi said, “We must protect them from the race for expansion. The international community must speak in one voice to strengthen a rule-based world order... Our oceans are also our shared heritage. That is why, we have to keep in mind that we use ocean resources, not abuse them.”

(With inputs from agencies)

In the backdrop of WHO facing criticism over COVID-19 origins prorbe and the World Bank discontinuing its flagship Ease of Doing Business report following alleged irregularities, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pointed to holes in the functioning of the United Nations, saying that the global body must rise up to the occasion and restore its credibility.

In the backdrop of WHO facing criticism over COVID-19 origins prorbe and the World Bank discontinuing its flagship Ease of Doing Business report following alleged irregularities, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pointed to holes in the functioning of the United Nations, saying that the global body must rise up to the occasion and restore its credibility. Addressing the 76th UN General Assembly, the prime minister, while quoting Indian diplomat Chanakya, said, “When the right action is not taken at the right time, then it is time itself that causes the action to fail.” “If the United Nations wants to remain relevant. It will need to improve its effectiveness and enhance its reliability," he said. The prime minister appeared to be referring to a report of independent scrutiny by leading US law firm WilmerHale which showed that China in 2017 manipulated its data to improve its ranking in the Ease of Doing Business index. The UN’s health agency, World Health Organization, was also criticised for mishandling the COVID-19 outbreak --which first surfaced in China in December 2019-- due to Chinese interference.. Also read | PM Modi at UNGA: Covid taught world that global economy should be more diversified Former US president Donald Trump had slammed the WHO as a “puppet” of China and accused it of covering up the start of the outbreak and allowing the virus to spread around the entire world. Modi said that today, all kinds of questions have been raised about the UN. Also read | Child of a tea seller is addressing UN for fourth time: PM Modi hails strength of Indian democracy "We have seen such questions being raised, related to the climate crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic," he said. #LIVE | Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi speaks at the 76th session of #UNGA #UNGA2021 #UNGA76 #WIONatUNGA https://t.co/sFMXkPrcr6 — WION (@WIONews) September 25, 2021 × “With regard to the origin of COVID-19 and the ease of doing business rankings, institutions of global governance have damaged the credibility they had built after decades of hard work," he said. “It is essential that we constantly strengthen the UN, in order to safeguard global order, global laws and global values,” Modi said. In a veiled reference to China’s military expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region, Modi said, “We must protect them from the race for expansion. The international community must speak in one voice to strengthen a rule-based world order... Our oceans are also our shared heritage. That is why, we have to keep in mind that we use ocean resources, not abuse them.” (With inputs from agencies)

Covid origins, Ease of Business report: Modi attacks UN for loss of credibility, without naming China

The United Nations faces a "crisis of confidence" without comprehensive reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. He was addressing the High-Level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

This year's high-level UN General Assembly is being held in a largely virtual format as world leaders did not travel to New York for the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic. Heads of State and Government and Ministers sent in pre-recorded video statements for the high-level week, including the special commemoration of the UN's 75 years and the General Debate.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti introduced Prime Minister Modi's pre-recorded statement from the UN General Assembly Hall.&nbsp;

PM Modi asserted that the world needs a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare.

"We cannot fight today's challenges with outdated structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence," he said.

PM Modi's call for reformed multilateralism assumes special significance as it comes on the eve of India taking a seat at the powerful UN Security Council as an elected non-permanent member for a two year term beginning January 1, 2021.

As the UN marks 75 years of its existence, the 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a forward-looking political declaration that gave a clarion call for strengthening mechanism to combat terrorism, reformed multilateralism, inclusive development and better preparedness to deal with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modi said, "For today's interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare."

He added India looks forward to working with all other nations towards this end.

India has been spearheading decades-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying a structure set up in 1945 does not reflect contemporary realities of the 21st century and is ill-equipped to handle current challenges.

There is widespread support, including by four of the five permanent members of the Security Council - US, UK, France and Russia - for a permanent seat for India at the Council.

India's priorities for its tenure on the Security Council find resonance in the Declaration that echoes New Delhi's call for strong mandate against terrorism, reformed multilateralism and inclusive development. India's overall objective during its tenure in the UN Security Council will be the achievement of N.O.R.M.S -- a New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System.

In the Declaration, the Heads of State and Government categorically noted that the world of today is very different from what it was when the United Nations was created 75 years ago.

"Our working methods need to keep pace and adapt. We support the ongoing reforms by the Secretary-General. We reiterate our call for reforms of three of the principal organs of the United Nations. We commit to instill new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council and continue the work to revitalise the General Assembly and strengthen the Economic and Social Council."

Addressing the special commemorative event on the UN's 75th anniversary, Modi said, "75 years ago, a new hope arose from the horrors of war. For the first time in human history, an institution was created for the entire world."

He said as a founding signatory of the UN Charter, India was part of that noble vision, which reflected India's own philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which sees all creation as a family.

Modi paid tribute to all those who have advanced the cause of peace and development under the UN flag, including in UN peacekeeping missions, where India had been a leading contributor.

India is among the largest troop contributors to UN Peacekeeping Missions, having provided over 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 peacekeeping missions mandated over the past six decades.

India has lost more peacekeepers in the line of duty than any other UN member state and over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

(with inputs from agencies)

The United Nations faces a "crisis of confidence" without comprehensive reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. He was addressing the High-Level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

The United Nations faces a "crisis of confidence" without comprehensive reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. He was addressing the High-Level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. This year's high-level UN General Assembly is being held in a largely virtual format as world leaders did not travel to New York for the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic. Heads of State and Government and Ministers sent in pre-recorded video statements for the high-level week, including the special commemoration of the UN's 75 years and the General Debate. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti introduced Prime Minister Modi's pre-recorded statement from the UN General Assembly Hall. PM Modi asserted that the world needs a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare. "We cannot fight today's challenges with outdated structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence," he said. PM Modi's call for reformed multilateralism assumes special significance as it comes on the eve of India taking a seat at the powerful UN Security Council as an elected non-permanent member for a two year term beginning January 1, 2021. As the UN marks 75 years of its existence, the 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a forward-looking political declaration that gave a clarion call for strengthening mechanism to combat terrorism, reformed multilateralism, inclusive development and better preparedness to deal with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Modi said, "For today's interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare." He added India looks forward to working with all other nations towards this end. India has been spearheading decades-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying a structure set up in 1945 does not reflect contemporary realities of the 21st century and is ill-equipped to handle current challenges. There is widespread support, including by four of the five permanent members of the Security Council - US, UK, France and Russia - for a permanent seat for India at the Council. India's priorities for its tenure on the Security Council find resonance in the Declaration that echoes New Delhi's call for strong mandate against terrorism, reformed multilateralism and inclusive development. India's overall objective during its tenure in the UN Security Council will be the achievement of N.O.R.M.S -- a New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System. In the Declaration, the Heads of State and Government categorically noted that the world of today is very different from what it was when the United Nations was created 75 years ago. "Our working methods need to keep pace and adapt. We support the ongoing reforms by the Secretary-General. We reiterate our call for reforms of three of the principal organs of the United Nations. We commit to instill new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council and continue the work to revitalise the General Assembly and strengthen the Economic and Social Council." Addressing the special commemorative event on the UN's 75th anniversary, Modi said, "75 years ago, a new hope arose from the horrors of war. For the first time in human history, an institution was created for the entire world." He said as a founding signatory of the UN Charter, India was part of that noble vision, which reflected India's own philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which sees all creation as a family. Modi paid tribute to all those who have advanced the cause of peace and development under the UN flag, including in UN peacekeeping missions, where India had been a leading contributor. India is among the largest troop contributors to UN Peacekeeping Missions, having provided over 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 peacekeeping missions mandated over the past six decades. India has lost more peacekeepers in the line of duty than any other UN member state and over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. (with inputs from agencies)

United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a virtual keynote address at the valedictory session along with the PM of Norway Erna Solberg and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

PM Modi's keynote address at the UN ECOSOC segment