On the margins of the Commission for Social Development in New York, Union Minister of State Smt. Savitri Thakur met Her Excellency Claudia Teresa Valenzuela Lopez, Vice-Minister of Social Development Guatemala and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its warm and mutually beneficial partnership with Guatemala.

During the discussions, the Minister highlighted India’s whole-of-government approach to women-led and inclusive development, outlining key initiatives in social protection, education, health, nutrition, skill development, digital empowerment, and women’s economic participation. She shared India’s experience with flagship programmes such as Self-Help Groups, Direct Benefit Transfer, PM POSHAN school meals, and digital public infrastructure, and expressed India’s willingness to share best practices. Guatemala’s inclusion in the ShakthiSAT global STEM initiative for girls was very encouraging.

Both sides underscored their shared commitment to gender equality, poverty eradication, inclusive growth, and multilateral cooperation at the United Nations, while exploring further collaboration in social development, women’s empowerment, and indigenous community welfare.

The Minister also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, during which she shared details of the Pankhudi Portal and encouraged the community to actively contribute to India’s development by supporting Anganwadi centres and childcare homes, including through voluntary and philanthropic contributions.

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SS/PC