Jokowi, UN Secretary General Discuss to Handle Global Challenges

Dubai – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) affirmed Indonesia's commitment to continuously support the United Nations (UN) in carrying out its functions and roles amid increasingly severe global challenges, the current geopolitical competition, and the fading of the spirit of multilateralism and mutual trust.

According to the Head of State, the current global challenges are getting tougher and geopolitical competition has created new powers. In addition, multilateralism and mutual trust are also decreasing. 

"Therefore, the UN plays an important role to address these issues and Indonesia will continue to support the functions and role of the UN to remain relevant,” the President said in his remarks during a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the Expo City Dubai in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

On that occasion, the two leaders also discussed climate actions. President Jokowi highlighted several concrete and tangible measures taken by the Indonesian Government to address climate change.

Moreover, the President expressed Indonesia’s appreciation for the Just Energy Transition Partner (JETP) initiative, while underscoring that the composition of grants should be more constructive so that global climate actions can be done through collaboration with all parties.

“Therefore, Indonesia supports the acceleration agenda in climate financing proposed by Your Excellency (Antonio Guterres) that developed countries must assist developing countries,” the President remarked. 

The President and the UN Secretary General also discussed the current situation in Gaza.

President Jokowi reiterated that Indonesia condemned Israel’s excessive force against Palestinians including civilian housing and infrastructures. Indonesia, he added, also pushed for investigations concerning Israel’s violations in Gaza through international mechanisms.

According to the President, Indonesia welcomes the current truce. However, violence must be permanently stopped for the sake of civilian lives in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2712.

“Humanitarian aid must immediately enter Gaza safely and without obstacles. Indonesia’s Foreign Minister along with several OIC Foreign Ministers have also been engaged in intensive diplomacy for Gaza,” he concluded.