The Secretary-General today met the Speaker of the Lok Sabha of India, H.E. Ms. Sumitra Mahajan and, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha of India, H.E. Mr. Pallath Joseph Kurien.

The Secretary-General commended the vibrancy of India’s democracy and discussed the priority areas of the United Nations for this year, including reaching a meaningful and binding agreement on climate change and adopting a new sustainable development agenda.

The Secretary-General emphasised the important role played by the Indian parliament in protecting women’s rights and enhancing gender equality, including combatting violence against women.