FM Retno Pushes for Multilateral System Reform Favoring Developing Countries at UN Headquarters

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi encouraged reform of the multilateral system that favors developing countries, while attending the Summit for the Future at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States.

The meeting, held on 22-23 September 2024 with the theme "Multilateral Solutions for a Better Future", aims to build global consensus in strengthening multilateralism to overcome current and future global challenges.

In her speech, Foreign Minister Retno highlighted the importance of the collaboration paradigm to face the major challenges facing the world today, including geopolitical rivalry, bleak economic recovery, and the climate and energy crisis.

In her speech, Foreign Minister Retno emphasized three main messages. First, realizing lasting peace. Peace that creates justice, stability and development.

"Peace can only be realized if international law is consistently enforced without double standards," said Foreign Minister Retno, in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tuesday, September 24.

In this context, Foreign Minister Retno called for an immediate end to the genocide committed by Israel in Palestine and emphasized the importance of a two-state solution for Palestine.

Foreign Minister Retno's next message was to ensure guarantees for the right to development.

The Foreign Minister called for joint efforts to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Trade discrimination and debt traps of developing countries or the Global South must be stopped.

"The gap must be bridged so that no country is left behind," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Third, the Foreign Minister gave a message regarding an inclusive world order. More adaptive, responsive and effective global governance must be realized, including through reform of the UN Security Council, global financial architecture and the multilateral trading system.

"This multilateral system reform must pay attention to the voices and interests of developing countries," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

In addition to the plenary session, the Foreign Minister also participated in an interactive dialogue session. The Foreign Minister re-emphasized the urgency of reforming the multilateral system and the importance of representation of developing countries in global governance.

"We must work together to realize peace, prosperity and justice for future generations," concluded Foreign Minister Retno.

It is known that the Summit of the Future produced three documents, namely the Pact of the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.

The three documents contain a global commitment to reform the multilateral system, strengthen cooperation in the digital sector and collaboration for future generations.