The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) was established in 2005 as part of the outcome document of the World Summit. The Fund was created with the aim of supporting initiatives that promote democracy and human rights around the world. India and the US played a key role in the establishment of the UNDEF, with both countries making an inaugural contribution of $10 million each.
India’s Contribution to the UNDEF
India continued to support the UNDEF by contributing $5 million to the Fund in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2011. However, there were no contributions made in 2007 and 2010, and funding began to dip from 2012 onwards.
Funding Process
Every year, the UNDEF solicits proposals from NGOs around the world. These proposals are evaluated by an Advisory Board, which recommends the proposals for approval by the Secretary General. Between 30 to 50 proposals are chosen each year, and in 15 rounds of funding so far, UNDEF has supported over 880 two-year projects in more than 130 countries.
Constitution of the Advisory Board
The Advisory Board is constituted by the Secretary General and includes the eight largest Member State contributors, as well as six other states that reflect diverse geographical representation, including one “small island” and developing states. India has been a member of the Board since the beginning.
India’s Role in Promoting Democracy
India has long been a champion of democracy and human rights. As the world’s largest democracy, India has been committed to promoting democratic values both domestically and internationally. India has been a strong supporter of the UN’s efforts to promote democracy and has played an active role in the UNDEF.
India’s contributions to the UNDEF have helped support initiatives that promote democratic values and human rights around the world. The UNDEF has funded projects in areas such as women’s political participation, civil society, media freedom, and electoral processes. These projects have helped to strengthen democratic institutions and promote human rights in countries around the world.
Why In News
India and the US played a crucial role in establishing the UN Democracy Fund in 2005 during negotiations for a civilian nuclear co-operation deal. The UNDEF has since played an important role in supporting initiatives that promote democracy and human rights around the world.
MCQs about India’s Contribution to the UN Democracy Fund
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What is the UN Democracy Fund and when was it established?
A. A fund set up by India and the US in 2005
B. A fund set up by the UN in 2005
C. A fund set up by India and the US in 2006
D. A fund set up by the UN in 2006
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What was the contribution of India to the UN Democracy Fund?
A. $10 million in 2005 and $5 million in subsequent years
B. $5 million in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011
C. $5 million every year since 2005
D. No contribution was made by India to the fund
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How are projects chosen to receive funding from UNDEF?
A. The Secretary General approves all proposals received
B. An Advisory Board recommends proposals for approval by the Secretary General
C. NGOs are invited to submit proposals, and the UN selects the best ones
D. The largest Member State contributors choose which proposals to fund
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What is the composition of the Advisory Board for UNDEF?
A. Only the eight largest Member State contributors
B. Only six other states to reflect diverse geographical representation
C. One “small island” and developing state
D. All of the above
