India, along with Brazil and South Africa, has pledged $1 million annually to a special fund aimed at tackling poverty and hunger in developing countries. This collaborative effort, known as the IBSA Fund, emphasizes solidarity and support for transformative projects led by Southern nations.
At the United Nations, India's Permanent Representative Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj handed over a $1 million cheque to the Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, Dima Al-Khatib. This contribution underscores India's commitment to the IBSA Fund's mission of empowering communities in the Global South.
Ambassador Kamboj highlighted India's focus on people-centric development during its G20 Presidency. She reiterated India's belief in the positive impact of the IBSA Fund, which has improved the lives of millions worldwide through initiatives promoting food security, healthcare, and clean water access.
Since its inception in 2004, India's contributions to the IBSA Fund have surpassed $18 million. Managed by the UNOSSC, the fund supports projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing tangible outcomes and grassroots empowerment.
The IBSA Fund has allocated $50.6 million to date, funding 45 projects across 37 countries. Recently approved initiatives include rural electrification in Belize, sustainable agriculture in South Sudan, and agribusiness development in Palestine, aimed at enhancing livelihoods and resilience in marginalized communities.
In Belize, the project will provide solar equipment to households, schools, and health centers in the Toledo district, addressing energy poverty in one of the country's most impoverished regions. Meanwhile, in South Sudan, efforts focus on increasing food production and market access to improve nutrition and livelihoods in the Central Equatorial State.
In Palestine, the project aims to create sustainable job opportunities, promoting economic stability in the region. These projects exemplify the IBSA Fund's commitment to fostering inclusive development and South-South cooperation, paving the way for a brighter future for vulnerable populations worldwide.
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