Address by
Shri Atal Bihar! Vajpayee
Prime Minister of India
At the Millennium Summit
of the
United Nations
New York, September 8, 2000
Standing at the gates of an important epoch at a point u our history that joins de past de present and de future we the
representatives of six billion people must ensure that this Millenium Summit and de General Assembly session that
follows will transcend issues of narrow concerns and chart a new course for humanity . And that will lead to enduring
peace, development and security for all.
Mr President,
It is apt that the Millennium Summit of the United Nations, which symbolises the confluence of the developed and the
developing worlds, should be jointly presided over by the leaders of two vibrant democracies, Finland and Namibia one a
developed country from Europe, the other, a developing country from Africa.
In your joint presidency, on which I congratulate you, you symbolise the partnership between diversity and the sharing
of fundamental values that lie at the core of the United Nations; indeed the very strength on which the United Nations
must build itself in the new century.
This unique summit marks the formal entry of the United Nations into the 2st century and the new millennium. Mote
importantly, it reflects the collective desire of peoples living in 189 countries spread across the world to forge a
future free of the blemishes of the past.
A future that will guarantee equitable development of all nations East and West, North and South.
A future that will guarantee freedom from want for nearly a quarter of the world's peoples living in abject poverty.
A future that will guarantee freedom from fear of war among nations and conflicts within societies.
And a future in which nations will work together as equals for a new world order based on justice and equality.
Mr. President,
Standing at the gates of an important epoch, at a point in our history that joins the past, the present and the future,
we the representatives of six billion people must ensure that this Millennium Summit and the General Assembly session
that follows will transcend issues of narrow concerns and chart a new course for humanity. A course that will lead to
enduring peace, development and security for all.
Let there be no doubt that the journey to our future, which we begin at the Millennium Summit, is over a very long and
winding road. At every turn, we will be challenged by doubts. Overcoming that challenge and forging ahead will be the
real test of the resolve that we voice at this Summit.
In spite of human endeavour for peace, prosperity and cooperation among nations in the century gone by, the world is not
free of conflict, often with terrible consequences. Much of this conflict is attributable to hostile aggression, lust
for territory or, simply, hegemony.
But conflict is also born in failure of equitable development among and within nations. For long it has been established
that poverty threatens peace and social cohesiveness within nations. It now needs to be recognised that the continuing
poverty of some nations, even while others prosper, not only taunts our conscience; it also threatens peace among
nations.
Poverty can neither be wished away, nor accepted as a reality beyond redemption. This affliction that strikes at the
core of human dignity has to be cured through the collective will and effort of all nations, rich and poor.
The century we have just left behind is littered with many a turning point in the history of humanity. The last 100
years were both the best of times and the worst of times. There were moments of utter despair and flashes of soaring
hope.
In the 20th century we have seen colonialism peak and collapse. We have seen totalitarian and racist regimes rule with
an iron fist, only to crumble in the face of assertive desire for liberty and human dignity. We have seen death and
destruction caused by wars rekindle humankind's urge for lasting and durable peace.
It has been a century of contrasts. Giant strides in science and technology marking the conquest of new frontiers of
knowledge have helped us grow more food, produce life saving drugs and send satellites into space. Yet, millions still
go hungry, die of easily curable diseases and are deprived of the enlightenment and empowerment that education ensures.
The emergence of a global economy has led to undeniable benefits like faster growth, higher living standards and new
opportunities. The rapid spread of Information Technology, riding the crest of a Knowledge Revolution, has virtually led
to the creation of a digital world where the click of a mouse can span vast distances in less than a fraction of a
second. A 'New Economy' drives the world today.
Yet, nearly a quarter of the people this Assembly represents have neither prospered nor gained from these developments.
Often, they find themselves further marginalised and more vulnerable as development economics gives way to unbridled
market economics and social objectives are erased by profit motives.
Mr. President,
Globalisation was supposed to deliver economic equality among all nations through free flow of goods, services and
capital. The reality we see today is an asymmetry in the benefits from globalisation between the developing and
developed worlds. This asymmetry has further accentuated income disparities, thus increasing the scope of conflict and
strife.
If one in four of the world's people still live in severe poverty, there is something wrong somewhere in the manner in
which we have been managing global development issues. The situation is made worse by the fact that developing countries
with decreasing resources, both natural and financial, are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their social
obligations.
Therefore, removing economic inequality, both between and within nations, and ensuring that development does not suffer
for want of funds, are two of the challenges that we have to collectively meet in the new century.
We also need to actively consider a fresh global initiative to fight poverty. In a globalised economy, poverty
eradication cannot be treated as the exclusive responsibility of individual nations. Therefore, a new global strategy
against poverty is called for.
Even as poverty severely inhibits the socio-economic progress of developing countries, the alarming spread of HIV/AIDS
drains their productive capacities. The co- relation between HIV incidence and poverty is too compelling to ignore.
It should be the concern of all humanity to generate the resources for concerted awareness campaigns for HIV prevention;
for making preventive, palliative and curative drugs affordable; and, for the scientific quest for definitive
prophylaxis and cure for the various strains of the dreaded virus. These tasks should not be allowed to add to the
already onerous burden that developing countries are carrying today.
Another issue that should be of universal concern is the debt burden of many a developing nation. This burden grows
yearly with new debts being contracted to pay off current interest charges. This results in a continual haemorrhage of
wealth that further debilitates the developing world.
The United Nations has a signal role to play in this global effort: by focusing attention on equitable development, by
ensuring that development is not the preserve of a few.
In the last decade of the last century, we have seen a series of world conferences on various aspects of development
social development, women's issues, population and environment. We now look forward to the conference on financing for
development.
Indeed, it is time that we looked at assurance of economic development, growth and distribution together in a high-level
UN conference. And, we urge that development be made a cross cutting issue in the work of a reformed United Nations.
In the emerging world order of the 21st century, economic multi-polarity will be a critical factor. Globalisation has
given birth to an ever-expanding web of interdependent economies linked by trade and commerce, apart from unprecedented
flow of capital across borders, backed by the infortnation Technology revolution.
But economic inter-dependence is best when it is based on the principle of nondiscrimination. Only then can nations
benefit equitably from global trade and commerce. To achieve this, and to ensure genuine economic multilateralism, the
tendency of some to rely on non-tariff barriers to preserve markets and perpetuate current balance of trade should be
resisted by all.
This can be best guaranteed by ensuring, especially for developing countries, free access to markets and services
through more transparent and predictable standards and requirements.
Mr. President,
Global financial integration has encouraged an unregulated and volatile capital mobility across national boundaries and
currency zones. This has exposed many developing countries to tremendous risks.
Part of the problem is that we have moved towards an integrated international financial market without fully realising
the potential turbulence which could result in weaker economies. Indeed, the 1990s are replete with financial crises
striking developing countries and revealing the economically destabilising impact of an uncontrolled global flight of
money on developing and transition economics.
The resources of the International Monetary Fund should be augmented to deal with economic crisis created by the
globalisation policy being pursued by member countries. Its role in anticipating major crises through improved
disclosure standards and enhanced information systems also needs to be strengthened. This would be applicable equally to
both developed and developing countries.
The new century needs a new financial architecture to strengthen the role of multilateral institutions responsible for
ensuring the stability of the international financial system. Multilateral cooperation should focus more clearly on the
need for better policy co-ordination among developed countries to avoid policy misalignment, which can have a
destabilising effect on international capital movements.
An inter-dependent world calls for greater participation by developing countries in the major forums of decision making.
There is need to increase the share of developing countries in decision-making in international forums dealing with the
international financial system.
Mr President,
We cannot have true development without peace between nations and democracy within them. Indeed, democracy and peace
continue to remain the best guarantors for unhindered development each secures the other.
The continued existence of nuclear weapons is a threat to global security in this new century, as in the century gone by
which not only saw the development but also the tragic use of weapons of mass destruction. The International community
has successfully diminished, if not entirely removed, the threat posed by chemical and biological weapons. But not so
with nuclear weapons.
In fact, despite all the talk of nuclear disarmament from various forums, the stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction,
in the custody of those who were the first to build up such a deadly arsenal, remain virtually untouched. It would seem
that we are still far away from achieving a goal that can assure the survival of humanity in the new millennium.
India was forced to acquire these weapons in 1998 because the principal nuclear weapon states refused to accept the
almost universal demand for nuclear disarmament. Moreover, the spread of nuclear weapons in our neighbourhood made us
especially vulnerable.
Nevertheless, our policy is based on responsibility and restraint and we continue to press for universal, verifiable
nuclear disarmament with undiminished commitment, even while safeguarding our strategic space and autonomy in
decision-making. International peace cannot be divorced from the need for equal and legitimate security for all. We
support the Secretary General's proposal for an international conference to address nuclear dangers.
In the interregnum, India continues with its voluntary moratorium on further underground nuclear test explosions. India
remains committed to working for the successful conclusion of her security dialogue with key interlocutors on the CTBT.
I reiterate our position that we will not prevent the entry into force of the CTBT. At the same time, all other
countries which must ratify the CTBT under Article XIV of the Treaty, should do so without condition.
India also remains committed to participate in negotiations on a Treaty that will prohibit the production of fissile
materials for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. We will participate in these discussions in good faith
and in order to ensure a Treaty that is non- discriminatory and meets India's security imperatives.
Mr President,
Of the many other threats to peace, democracy and development, none has become as dangerous as international terrorism,
with its links to religious extremism, drug trafficking and the commerce in illicit arms. Plural and open democracies
are the target of the scourge o terrorism that strikes at very root of tolerance, the mainstay of civil society in a
free world.
For more than a decade now India has been a victim of cross-border terrorism that has claimed thousands of innocent
lives. We have been fighting this crime against humanity with the weapons available to a responsible democracy.
India calls for united global action against these dangers. We urge the international community to quickly adopt and
implement the Comprehensive Convention Against Terrorism that will be negotiated at the UN General Assembly session that
follows this Summit.
Many statesman-like words have been delivered from this high tribune. Unfortunately, some of them are an Orwellian
mockery. Those who have stifled democracy at home speak of freedom from this forum. Those who have engaged in the
clandestine acquisition of nuclear weapons and delivery systems talk of ridding South Asia of these. Those who have
repudiated solemn covenants talk of new agreements to prevent war. The authors of a vicious terrorist campaign that has
claimed more than 30,000 innocent lives in India, who actively sabotaged a historic peace initiative, are now offering
new initiatives for dialogue.
The world must see the reality as it is. The acid test of sincerity of purpose is not words, but deeds. Terrorism and
dialogue do not go together.
We also urge the international community to act collectively against the indiscriminate proliferation of, and illegal
trafficking in, small arms and light weapons. Countries should cooperate and work closely to prevent, combat and
eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons by adopting an International Programme of Action of Agreed
Measures.
Mr. President,
Because there can, by definition, be no equitable development without democracy, it is essential that the United Nations
promote democratic norms. And the United Nations should do so not only by monitoring elections or by promoting standards
of effective governance, but by example.
The United Nations is a symbol of the aspirations of the peoples of the free world to achieve the noble objectives of
peace, equality and honour. The UN Charter envisaged a balance between the three major inter-governmental. organs of the
United Nations the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council.
Over the years, this balance has tilted rather heavily towards the Security Council. It is important that the central
role of the General Assembly be respected; this Millennium Summit is a good first step, and we thank the Secretary
General for proposing it. We are glad that the Economic and Social Council has again become active in the promotion of
development; we trust that the momentum will be maintained.
However, in a world in flux, it is understandable that the Security Council will continue to have a rather special role
to play. It 'is, therefore, all the more necessary that it be made more representative of the large membership.
We hope this Millennium Summit will commit itself to an early expansion and reform of the Security Council, particularly
bringing in new permanent members from developed and developing countries, so that it reflects the new realities of the
21st century. This will also strengthen this world body to function more purposefully in the services of all peoples
who, as the UN Charter says, constitute the United Nations.
As member States will recall, India has let it be known for some years that we believe ourselves qualified by objective
criteria for responsibilities of permanent membership. Indeed, as the world's largest democracy, enormous potential, a
rapidly growing economic power and a major contributor to peace-keeping operations, India has a natural claim to a
permanent seat in the Security Council.
Finally, Mr. President, at this rare moment of the Millennium, when we touch history, let us pledge to work towards
bringing the vast human family closer together. Let us believe in spirit that our destiny is joined.
I end with an ancient Indian invocation:
Sarve bhavantu sukinah
Sarve santu nirmayah
Sarve bhadranipasyantu
Ma Kaschit dukha bhag bhavet!
May all live happily
May all enjoy good health
May all see auspiciousness
May none experience distress
May peace prevail everywhere!