AGM

This is the first time that WFP coordinator in India participated in AGM as the Guest of Honour.

1. The 43rd AGM of UNPAI was held on Saturday, 8 February 2020 in which 57 members and their spouses participated. At the start of the meeting, National Anthem was played.

2. The President, Mr. D.K. Bose, welcomed the Chief Guest, Mr. Narendra K. Sabharwal former Deputy Director General, WIPO, and Guest of Honour, Mr. Bishow Parajuli, Coordinator and Country Director, UN-WFP and thanked them for accepting invitation to attend this AGM. He also congratulated the new office bearers under the leadership of Mr. Viney Jain and thanked Mr. Ram Narain, Ms. Manju Narang and Mr. Shankar Chowdhury for smooth conduct of the election. President said, “As I prepare to be relieved -- indeed liberated – from the burden of my office as President UNPAI, I feel enriched by my two years experience and association with Adviser, Mr. J.P. Aggarwal and Secretary, Mr. Ramesh Sawhney. My experience has been a unique one. I have enjoyed working with my colleagues in UNPAI.” President said that standards of UNPAI ought not to be eroded under any circumstances and it is only then that the commitment to foster democracy, equality and fraternity could be fulfilled. He further said that we expect probity, sincerity and honesty from the system to perform -- and perform well – and to be sensitive to our needs, expectations and responsibilities. President expressed his gratitude and thanked all UN-system organizations/agencies in general and to UN Resident Co-coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and their dedicated staff at UN House for their support to our Association.

3. The Chief Guest, Mr. Narendra K. Sabharwal, Deputy Director, WIPO, spoke at this meeting. He said that it was a great privilege to be invited to the AGM to share some thoughts and to interact with the retired members of UN family. He applauded the UNPAI’s commitment to its objectives and its proactive readiness to take up issues and grievances which concern its membership. He further said this AGM is also a time for reflection about the unique opportunity each of us has had in contributing to and furthering UN’s work in diverse fields and in different parts of the world. He highlighted the development, challenges and reform during the 75 years of UN initiatives. Mr. Sabharwal also stressed the need to address the problem of youth unemployment, as this aspect was of particular relevance for India where a major part of the population is young and aspirations and where skills and job creation are the keys to accrual of demographic dividend.

4. From his own experience of working in a specialized agency, WIPO, with the mandate to protect, promote and utilize intellectual property, Mr. Sabharwal confirmed that international community had always shown the necessary resilience, foresight and adaptability to find solution to intricate political, legal, technological and business related problems, which confronted the society. On returning to India after his retirement, Mr. Sabharwal endeavored to give back to India the knowledge and expertise he had gained. He had the privilege of contributing to the formulation of first ever National IPR Policy of India - (which was announced on 12 May 2016) as Convener Member of the Think Tank appointed by Government of India. Mr. Sabharwal concluded his speech by extending to all members and their families his best wishes for continued happiness, success and good health.

5. The Guest of Honour, Mr. Bishow Parajuli, UN-WFP Coordinator and the Country Director thanked the President for having invited him to share some of his thoughts and meeting the members because we the new generation to continue to hold the flag and lead the legacy left behind by you. He said, he was honoured to be here at this AGM. He introduced himself and had career with UN system for over 35 of years, also he was a Representative of UN Secretary-General in Zimbabwe before coming to India and previously in Burma, Myanmar. He was pleased to be back in India after 35 plus years as he was a student in India for six years. He said, he was glad to see the development and tremendous progress made by India, particularly on food security, agriculture and rural health - the area which is close to his heart and addressing the need of the vulnerable.

6. After the remarks of the speakers, the proceedings of the AGM started. The members adopted the agenda items as circulated.

7. The meeting started with the national anthem followed by paying tributes to the following members who expired during 2019:

- Mr. S.M. Vidwans
- Mr. D.M. Guha (FAO)
- Mr. V.K. Hemrajani (UNDP)
- Mr. S.S. Raman (UNIC)
- Mrs. Pushpa Hariharan (WHO)
- Mr. R.T. Batra (UNDP)
- Dr. B.P.S. Goel (FAO)
- Mr. S.P. Suri (UNDP)
- Mrs. Meenashi Chander Gandhi, spouse of late Mr C.C. Gandhi (UNICEF)
- Mr. P. Pandarinathan (UNESCO)
- Mr. K.D. Khosla (UNIDO)
- Mr. Abu Salim (ILO)
- Mr. H.L. Monga (WHO)

8. The minutes, as circulated, of the last AGM held in March 2019 were approved.

9. The Audited Accounts for the years 2018 and 2019 were endorsed by the members as presented. One of the members pointed out that in view of the limited financial resources of the Association; time consuming in dispatching the bulletin and members directory, and that, in view that every one now has access to the internet, the bulletin and the members directory should not be printed; and the same should be circulated through emails. This point was endorsed and accepted by the meeting.

10. Ms Manju Narang, one of the members of the Election Sub-cmmittee announced the results of the elections of office bearers for the term 2020-2021.

11. Following members, who recently joined and or attending this AGM for the first time, introduced themselves:
(i) Mr B.S. Lamba, retiree from WHO. He also shared his unexpected experience in connection with his pending case of Two-track with the UNJSPF.
(ii) Ms Meera Sethi
(iii) Ms Kamala Bhasin (FAO)

12. A cultural programme was conducted by Ms Manju Narang who also sang a bhajan. Mr D.K. Bose sang ever green old song. Ms. Neena Gupta, Ms. Meera Sethi and Mr. Ashok Malhotra exhibited their talents by lovely songs, poetry and hilarious jokes. Members enjoyed the cultural programme.

13 Ms. Manju Narang on behalf of the UN Women’s Association in India gave a presentation on the Kindergarten and other social activities for the under-privileged children living in the area of Bhopal, Delhi. UNWA was planning to hold a Jumble Sale and requested the support of the members.

14. Mr. Viney Kumar Jain was requested by the outgoing President to take over the charge of the new Executive Committee and to present a Vote of Thanks.