JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Former Indonesian president Megawati Soekarnoputri, Indonesia’s fifth president, is set to attend the World Leaders Summit on Children’s Rights in Vatican City.

The summit, which will be held on February 3, 2025, will see Megawati participate in discussions with global leaders, including a special meeting with Pope Francis.

According to parlement member Ahmad Basarah, the arrangements for this meeting have been finalized by the Vatican protocol, making this a significant diplomatic moment for Indonesia.

In addition to her meeting with the Pope, Megawati may also engage in a panel discussion with influential figures such as Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar in Egypt.

However, Basarah mentioned that the participation of the Imam is still awaiting confirmation from the event organizers. This panel will also include several other prominent figures, including Queen Rania of Jordan, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, and Gambia’s Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara.

The focus of the World Leaders Summit is the rights of children, and Megawati is expected to deliver a speech emphasizing the importance of humanitarian efforts related to children’s rights in the modern era. This is seen as a continuation of Megawati’s advocacy for global cooperation and commitment to human rights, particularly for vulnerable children.

Basarah also pointed out the importance of Megawati’s perspective in demonstrating Indonesia’s commitment to supporting children’s rights on the world stage.

Before the main summit event, Megawati is scheduled to spend time with her family, including her daughter, Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament Puan Maharani, in a more informal setting on February 3. This part of the visit is intended to foster dialogue and exchange between the Indonesian delegation and other global leaders in a more relaxed environment.

During the summit, Megawati’s address is expected to highlight Indonesia’s dedication to children’s rights and the nation’s broader humanitarian concerns. Her presence at the summit adds significant weight to Indonesia’s position in global discussions surrounding children’s welfare and the shared responsibility of world leaders in protecting the rights of children worldwide.

The World Leaders Summit on Children’s Rights is not only a diplomatic event but also a platform for influential world leaders to come together and discuss pressing issues affecting children globally. Megawati’s participation underscores Indonesia’s active role in international advocacy for children’s rights and human welfare. The summit serves as an opportunity for countries to share best practices, forge new partnerships, and commit to tangible actions that will positively impact the lives of children everywhere.

The potential dialogue between Megawati and Imam El-Tayeb is also noteworthy, given the spiritual and political influence the Imam holds in the Muslim world. If confirmed, their discussion could foster greater understanding and collaboration between the Indonesian government and religious leaders from diverse global backgrounds. This speaks to Megawati’s broader efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s role as a bridge between different cultures and faiths.

As the summit approaches, all eyes will be on the outcomes of the discussions, particularly in terms of actionable commitments that can advance children’s rights globally. Megawati’s role in these discussions is likely to reinforce Indonesia’s commitment to humanitarian efforts, solidifying her position as a key advocate for the well-being of children on the international stage. (Uki Ruknuddin)