JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS- Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has been named the first Indonesian to serve as a Special Envoy for the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.

This new role, focusing on water issues, marks a historic moment for Indonesia.

“This appointment is a significant honor for both me and Indonesia, as it is the first time an Indonesian has been entrusted with such a position,” Retno stated in a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release

Retno views this appointment as a great honor and is enthusiastic about the new role, which was created specifically for addressing global water issues.

She mentioned that President Joko Widodo endorsed her decision to accept this international responsibility.

“President-elect Prabowo Subianto has also expressed full support for this appointment,” Retno added.

Her tenure as Special Envoy will commence on November 1, 2024, following the conclusion of her term as Foreign Minister in President Joko Widodo’s cabinet.

Retno plans to leverage her nearly 40 years of diplomatic experience, including a decade as Foreign Minister, to excel in her new role.

As Special Envoy, Retno’s responsibilities will include strengthening global partnerships and initiatives to advance water agendas, following up on outcomes from the UN Water Conference 2023.

She will also work to enhance international cooperation and align global processes with water-related targets, including SDG 6 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Retno will advocate for making water issues a prominent political agenda within and outside the UN, mobilize actions, and secure funding to address global water crises and achieve related goals.(Uki Ruknuddin)

YouTube player