Indonesian Foreign Minister: Without Inclusiveness, Peace Will Never Be Achieved

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi while attending the UN DK meeting. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi called for the importance of global leadership to achieve peace, especially in prolonged conflicts such as in Palestine.

He conveyed this in the UN Security Council's High Open Debate with the theme "Leadership for Peace: United in Respect of the UN Charter, In Search of a Secure Future" at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States on Wednesday.

In her speech, Foreign Minister Retno expressed concern that peace had not yet been reached for the Palestinian people, highlighting the suffering experienced by the Palestinian people, with 41,000 people killed, millions forced to flee, and access to fully closed humanitarian aid.

"When our most basic humanity is questioned, this is a symptom of a leadership failure for peace," said Foreign Minister Retno, citing a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, September 26.

Foreign Minister Retno further said there would be no peace if there was no respect for territorial sovereignty and integrity. He reminded that the world is currently witnessing the potential for a major war in Lebanon, amid the presence of UNIFIL peacekeeping forces.

In this context, Foreign Minister Retno emphasized the importance of restoring credibility and trust in the UN Security Council. Security Council Reform is considered urgent to ensure a more effective leadership in maintaining peace.

There are two things that Foreign Minister Retno underlined on this occasion. First, the importance of democratic leadership to achieve peace.

"There is nothing more pressing at this time than the creation of peace in Gaza," he stressed.

Foreign Minister Retno underlined the importance of preventing the worsening escalation of conflicts in the region, as is currently happening in Lebanon.

Therefore, he continued, a more democratic UN DK decision-making mechanism is needed so that UN DK can act effectively in response to threats to international peace and security.

Next, the Indonesian Foreign Minister underlined the need for inclusiveness and synergy in making decisions in order to achieve peace.

He said the UN DK should encourage the strengthening of inclusive cooperation with other UN agencies and regional organizations. This is important to ensure the representation of the region and developing countries in contributing to peace efforts.

"Without inclusiveness, peace will never be achieved as a whole," said Foreign Minister Retno.

In closing, Foreign Minister Retno invited the Security Council not to look far into pursuing a safe future.

"We can start from here and now, with peace for the Palestinian people," he concluded.

It is known that this UN Security Council Summit is one of the main meetings of the Slovenian Presidency at the UN DK in September 2024.

At the beginning of the meeting, the UN DK adopted a Presidential Statement affirming the UN's commitment to promoting multilateralism and the role of the United Nations, as well as the importance of a comprehensive approach to peace-building efforts.