25/09/2025
“When the voices of Jodhpur and Setrawa echoed at the United Nations, it was one of the greatest honors of my life.”
Sambhali Trust has held ECOSOC accreditation with the United Nations since 2015. But this year, for the very first time, we had the opportunity to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, and present at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC – 60th Session).
Many people ask what these platforms mean:
ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) – the UN body that accredits selected NGOs across the world, giving them the right to participate at the UN.
UNHRC (Human Rights Council) – the global stage where 47 member states and accredited NGOs come together to discuss human rights, equality, and justice.
For me, this was not just an international journey. It was a defining moment where I stood as the voice of my country, my organization, my homeland Rajasthan, and the thousands of women, children, and gender minorities for whom Sambhali has been working for the past 18 years.
This was also my first trip abroad after COVID. Speaking in that hall, I carried with me the faces and stories of resilience – the village woman who stepped into a classroom for the first time, the child who learned through our No Bad Touch workshop that her silence too has power, and the transgender youth who received their very first identity card.
This platform did not only give us a chance to speak, but it also allowed us to be heard. On our very first participation, we were able to present oral statements, submit video interventions, and share written statements.
The journey was filled with warmth and friendship. Our Swiss friends and the Sambhali Swiss team embraced us with such care and generosity that I remain deeply grateful.
I also want to thank everyone who celebrated my first oral statement at the UN. This second statement is a reflection of my gratitude for your encouragement, love, and support.
Today, when I share this experience, my heart swells with pride – not because I reached Geneva, but because the voices of Jodhpur and Setrawa reached the halls of the United Nations.
This honor is not mine alone. It belongs to all of us – my team, my family, my village, our friends, and above all, the thousands of lives who are the true strength of Sambhali.
Jai Hind
– Govind Singh Rathore
Founder, Sambhali Trust & Sambhali Development Foundation