Becoming The First Indonesian To Be Appointed As Special Envoy To The Secretary General Of The United Nations, Foreign Minister Retno Gets A Number Of Mandates

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. (Source: Abi/Infomed/Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi received a number of mandates regarding water affairs, after being appointed as Special Envoy to the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres.

Secretary General Guterres in an announcement on the UN website announced that the envoy was aimed at formulating partnerships and joint efforts to advance the water agenda, including following up on the results of the 2023 United Nations (UN) Water Conference (UN).

"It is an honor for me and Indonesia to be appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as a Special Envoy for water issues," said Foreign Minister Retno in a press statement on the YouTube channel of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday, September 13 evening.

"The appointment of the Special Envoy for the Secretary General of the United Nations for this water issue is the first time this has been carried out and for the first time, Indonesians have been trusted to become Special Envoys for the Secretary General of the United Nations," he explained.

He explained that he would start working as a special envoy on November 1, 2024, after his responsibilities as Indonesian Foreign Minister were completed.

He said the appointment had been consulted and received approval from President Joko Widodo, and was fully supported by the elected President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto.

"Some of the income given to me include strengthening partnerships and joint efforts to advance the water agenda, including the follow-up to the results of the 2023 United Nations Water Conference. Increasing international cooperation and increasing synergies between various international principles in supporting the achievement of all water-related goals and targets such as SDG 6 from the 2030 sustainable development agenda," he said.

"Make water problems the main political agenda in and outside the United Nations. Mobilizing actions and funding sources to deal with the world water crisis. Encouraging the fulfillment of water-related targets can be carried out in order to achieve peace, development and human rights," he added.

Foreign Minister Retno said the commitment of world countries is very critical, given the importance of water issues for all aspects of human life and even for world peace

According to him, international cooperation is needed. The approach of no one left behind is important to put forward.

Foreign Minister Retno said that water is not only a technical problem, but also a political problem.

"Failures in dealing with water and sanitation problems will not only weaken three aspects of sustainable development, namely society, the economy and the environment. But it will also affect human rights, peace and security," he said.

He added that 2.1 billion people do not have access to safely managed drinking water services. 4.5 billion people do not have access to securely managed sanitation services.

"water scarcity affects 4 out of every 10 people. 90 percent of all natural disasters are related to water issues. And 80 percent of wastewater flows back into the ecosystem without being processed or reused," he explained.

Foreign Minister Retno said she would use her experience as a diplomat for nearly 40 years and experience as foreign minister for 10 years, as much as possible to carry out her duties as a Special Envoy to the Secretary General of the United Nations.

"Hopefully I can carry out this international task well. Please pray for his blessing," concluded Foreign Minister Retno.