India's economic growth, social inclusion can advance together: Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of UNDP, Mr. Haoliang Xu
- IBEF
- November 17, 2025
India has shown that rapid economic growth and social inclusion can advance together, offering a model for other developing nations, according to Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of UNDP, Mr. Haoliang Xu. He said India’s growth story is defined not only by economic progress but also by the use of technology, digital public infrastructure, and participatory governance to ensure no one is left behind. He highlighted India’s achievements in climate adaptation, renewable energy, and inclusive digital finance, noting that these form a blueprint for balancing growth with sustainability. Flagship initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Ayushman Bharat, and the JAM trinity have combined livelihood security with transparent, direct benefit delivery, while programmes like the Aspirational Districts Programme show how data and community participation can narrow regional disparities. He added that India’s focus on green jobs and climate-resilient livelihoods aligns economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and the Sustainable Development Goals.
He praised platforms such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI), CoWIN, and the emerging U-WIN immunisation system, describing them as people-centric solutions built on open digital infrastructure that reduce costs and promote competition. As a leading voice of the Global South, India is sharing these tools globally through South-South cooperation. On climate action, he said developing countries need Rs. 2,12,95,200 crore (US$ 2.4 trillion) per year by 2030 and called for faster, simpler climate finance systems. He noted that at COP30, finance and cooperation are central themes and stressed that adaptation must receive greater funding since every dollar invested can yield up to ten dollars in returns.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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