UN General Assembly Session Officially Opens, Foreign Minister Sugiono Leads Indonesian Delegation

New York: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, as Head of the Indonesian Delegation, attended the opening of the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN Headquarters in New York.

The President of the 81st UN General Assembly, Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh, presides over the General Debate of the 81st UNGA session under the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All."

This theme is crucial for restoring trust in multilateralism and ensuring the UN is capable of effectively responding to various global changes and challenges.

At the opening of the General Debate, UN Secretary-General António Guterres ,delivering his final General Debate address in that capacity, highlighted shifts in global power amidst conflict, inequality, climate change, and the development of artificial intelligence.

He emphasized that humanity's ability to manage power wisely will determine the future. Therefore, multilateralism and international law are increasingly vital to ensure that power is exercised based on shared rules and principles.

Meanwhile, UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman emphasized the importance of restoring trust in the UN through reform and concrete action. The UN remains indispensable but must demonstrate its success and ability to deliver results for the global community.

In addition to the General Debate, the High-Level Week of the 81st UNGA session includes a series of high-level meetings on various strategic issues, such as the Right to Development, climate action and just transition, sea-level rise, pandemic preparedness and response, the eradication of racism, and the elimination of nuclear weapons.

“Throughout High-Level Week, Indonesia will advance several key priorities, including promoting peace and conflict resolution ,particularly regarding Palestine, strengthening Indonesia's role as a "bridge-builder," advocating for UN reform and a stronger voice for the Global South, and highlighting national development achievements and priorities,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.

Indonesia will also continue to emphasize the importance of stronger, inclusive, and effective multilateralism, as well as international cooperation capable of delivering tangible solutions to shared challenges.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister's participation in the High-Level Week of the 81st UN General Assembly reaffirms Indonesia's commitment to an active role in multilateral diplomacy and to ensuring that Indonesia's interests and priorities are voiced in discussions on various global agendas.