To mark the International Day of Families, 15 May 2009, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in New Delhi organized a half-day seminar entitled "Mothers and Families: Challenges in a Changing World", the designated theme for this year’s observance. The seminar was organized in collaboration with the non-governmental organization (NGO) Development, Welfare & Research Foundation (DWARF) and Delhi Safdarjung Rotary Club.

Researchers, planners, community workers, members of civil society, the international community, and governmental and non-governmental organizations shared their views and practices for recognizing and supporting mothers’ roles and for their inclusion in development policies and programmes. UNIC Director Shalini Dewan addressed the gathering and also read the UN Secretary-General’s message for the Day.

To mark the first World Day of Social Justice, 20 February 2009, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in New Delhi, in collaboration with the West Bengal Correctional Services, organized a series of events in Kolkata with prisoners and prison authorities.

The highlight of the Day’s observances was a dance drama, Valmiki Pratibha, which traced the journey of Ratnakar from a dreaded bandit to a holy sage. The ballet was performed by 50-60 prisoners – both men and women currently lodged in Kolkata jails - who were granted special permission to venture out of the prison walls to the prestigious Rabindra Sadan theatre where they performed to a packed audience. The spectacular show by the prisoners was the outcome of a unique “culture therapy” programme offered to inmates across the state of West Bengal which aims to bring about the psychological rehabilitation of prisoners and enhance their feeling of self-worth through art, dance, music and theatre. UNIC Director Shalini Dewan was a guest of honour at the performance.

On 10 December 2008 to mark Human Rights Day and the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Director of the UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan, accompanied by Punjab government officials, led a candle-light procession of over 2,000 people at Wagah on the India-Pakistan border. Participating in the peace march, organized by the All India Human Rights Association (AIHRA), were representatives of human rights organizations from across India as well as from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

On his first official visit to India on 30-31 October, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with senior government officials including the President of India Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

He delivered the ninth Rajiv Gandhi Memorial lecture entitled "India and the UN: An Indispensable Partnership" organized by the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) New Delhi and chaired by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi.

At an event hosted by Nobel Laureate Dr. R. K. Pachauri, Mr. Ban addressed corporate business leaders of the World Business Council on the importance of creative strategies to fight climate change and promote sustainable development. The Secretary-General, accompanied by Mrs. Ban, also visited Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.