UN chief Ban Ki-moon to stress on inclusive development during India visit

UN chief Ban Ki-moon will stress on the need to promote inclusive and sustainable development in India and globally during his visit to the country later this week, his spokesperson said on Tuesday. During his India trip from January 10-13, the UN Secretary General will address leaders and policymakers at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and is also scheduled to meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other key Indian leaders when he visits Gujarat and New Delhi.

Ban will travel to Ahmedabad on January 10 and deliver a keynote speech at the Inaugural Session of the 7th Vibrant Gujarat Summit on January 11, the UN chief's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters at his daily press briefing.

"Addressing world leaders, policy makers, and representatives from the business community and academia, the Secretary-General will stress the need to promote inclusive and sustainable development in India and globally," Dujarric said. While in Gujarat, the Secretary-General is also expected to visit Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram as well as a solar power plant to see the national efforts in India to promote sustainable development.

During the visit, which is Ban's fourth trip to India as the UN Secretary-General, he will also meet Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and UN Goodwill Ambassadors in India. On January 12, Ban is expected to deliver the 13th Sapru House Lecture, organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs.

He will conclude his visit to India on January 13, following his meetings with UN staff and heads of UN agencies working in India, Dujarric said.