Indian origin woman bags a role in a key UN committee

NEW YORK: An Indian candidate has been elected to a key UN committee in a cut throat competitive race. A career diplomat who is currently posted as the first secretary in the permanent mission of India to the UN in New York, Vidisha Maitra has been elected to the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) by 126 votes to 64 votes. Vidisha Maitra was elected for the role being the only candidate from India, competing with one candidate from Iraq in the Asia Pacific Group. As India gears up to start its two-year membership as a non-permanent member at the UN Security Council next year, this win is crucial. ACABQ performs several key functions, including the examination of the budget submitted by the UN Secretary General to the General Assembly, and advising the General Assembly on administrative and budgetary matters. The committee also plays a crucial role in ensuring that resources of member states are used effectively and that the UN’s mandates are properly funded.