Indonesia Praises Guterres’ Leadership as UN Secretary-General Nears End of Tenure

New York, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono has praised United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for his leadership and service to the world body as he approaches the end of his decade-long tenure.

Sugiono made the remarks while presenting Indonesia’s positions on global issues during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, with his statement observed online from Jakarta on September 27.

He said Guterres had led the United Nations through an exceptionally challenging period marked by wars and geopolitical tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, humanitarian emergencies and rapid technological transformation.

Sugiono emphasized that effective leadership was essential to a functioning multilateral system, drawing on an Indonesian leadership philosophy centered on leading by example, building confidence among the people and empowering others.

He said leadership was not merely about issuing commands but also about exercising wisdom and enabling others to move forward.

The Indonesian foreign minister also acknowledged Guterres’ contribution to maintaining the United Nations as a relevant platform for dialogue and collective solutions amid changing global challenges.

Sugiono said the next UN secretary-general would inherit the responsibility of upholding the UN Charter, strengthening the organization and advancing a form of multilateralism capable of delivering tangible benefits to the international community.

He stressed that effective leadership must be accompanied by the full commitment of UN member states to making multilateralism work.

Guterres is due to conclude his tenure on December 31, 2026. His successor will be selected from seven candidates and appointed by the UN General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

The candidates listed are Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, nominated by Guyana; Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica; María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés of Antigua and Barbuda; Ivonne A-Baki of Tonga; Rafael Mariano Grossi of Argentina; Macky Sall of Burundi; and Olara Otunnu of Uganda.

The next UN secretary-general is scheduled to assume office on January 1, 2027.