Pushes for Multilateralism Strengthening for Global Development

AFP/TIMOTHY A. CLARY

Vice President Jusuf Kalla speaks during the 74th Session of the General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York on 27 September 2019.

NEW YORK, KOMPAS — Multilateral cooperation was the focus and main affirmation of Vice President Jusuf Kalla during his speech at the UN General Assembly debate session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, US, on Friday (27/9/2019). He reminded that the existence of the UN could not be separated from the spirit of multilateralism.

"The success of the UN mission is determined by how this body strengthens multilateralism for world peace and prosperity," Kalla said.

He said the choice to prioritize multilateral steps is the best way to face increasing and greater global challenges. "At a time like this we must unite to strengthen multilateralism," said Kalla.

Every country, large or small, will not be able to resolve the challenge alone. "For that, we must work together. We have to share responsibility," said Kalla in a speech delivered in Indonesian.

Indonesia believes that only with the values of multilateralism, the world will be more stable, peaceful and prosperous. Kalla reminded that in the last seven decades it was multilateralism approach that has saved world citizens and led them to achieve economic prosperity and technological progress. The UN can also fulfill its obligations through strengthening multilateralism.

Kalla reiterated the importance of maintaining world peace. He quoted one part of the Preamble of the UN Charter, which is "War, conflict, always brings misery to humanity, especially women and children".

"In short, war and conflict certainly shatter the hopes for achieving the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] target. We are all concerned to see that there is still war and conflict in the world," Kalla said, referring to the conflict in the Middle East as an example.

EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE

India\'s Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the General Debate of the 74th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations at United Nations Headquarters in New York, New York, USA, 27 September 2019. The annual meeting of world leaders at the UN runs until 30 September 2019.

Regarding the issue of peace in the Middle East, Kalla referred to the issue in Palestine. Indonesia emphasized that the two-state solution cannot be abandoned. "At the same time, I want to encourage Palestine to unite ... Without unity, energy will be drained away and the struggle will not be completed," said Kalla.

Vice President Kalla also reiterated the importance of the involvement of peace corps. Besides addressing regional issues, such as ASEAN, sustainable development in 2030, and respect to the sovereignty of the country, in the latter half of his speech, Kalla conveyed Indonesia\'s nomination to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2020-2030.

Last Thursday, Kalla was a guest speaker at the High-Level Dialogue on Development Funding entitled "Fund Mobilization for Climate Action and the Shortage of SDGs Financing". He said it would need funds of around US$2.5 trillion per year to reach the SDGs target by 2030.

Meanwhile, through a meeting at the United Nations Headquarters, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi intensified the economic diplomacy and the strengthening of women participation. He met partners including the Dominican Republic, Ivory Coast, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Timor Leste.

Retno said that the expansion of the scope of economic diplomacy was part of Indonesia\'s efforts to develop markets. Before this, she visited a number of eastern European countries, such as Bulgaria and Hungary, which could become new markets to complement the large markets that are being explored intensively, namely Africa.

B. Josie Susilo Hardianto and FX Laksana Agung Saputra from New York, US