Foreign Minister Retno Encourages Multilateral System Reform That Sides With Developing Countries At The United Nations Headquarters

Foreign Minister Retno during a speech at the Summit of the Future at the United Nations Headquarters. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs RI)

JAKARTA - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Retno Marsudi is pushing for multilateral system reforms in favor of developing countries while attending a Summit for the Future at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States.

The meeting, which was held on September 22-23, 2024 with the theme "The Multilateral Solution for a Better Future", aims to raise global consensus, in strengthening multilateralism to address current and future global challenges.

In her speech, Foreign Minister Retno highlighted the importance of a collaborative paradigm to face the major challenges facing the world today, including geopolitical rivalry, a gloomy economic recovery, as well as a 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 cessation of the genocide carried out by Israel in Palestine and emphasized the importance of a two-state solution to Palestine.

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

The Foreign Minister called for joint efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Trade discrimination and debt traps of developing countries or 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 advised regarding an inclusive world order. More adaptive, responsive and effective global governance must be realized, including through reforms of the UN Security Council, global financial architecture and multilateral trading systems.

"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 interactive dialogue sessions. The Foreign Minister again emphasized the urgency of multilateral system reform and the importance of representation of developing countries in global governance.

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

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

The three documents contain a global commitment to reforming multilateral systems, strengthening cooperation in the digital sector and collaboration for future generations.