Retno Marsudi Makes History as First Indonesian Appointed UNSG Special Envoy
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has been appointed as the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres’ Special Envoy for Water Affairs, marking the first time an Indonesian has held this significant role. The announcement, made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, September 13, highlights Marsudi’s appointment to the newly established position, signaling a major recognition for both the minister and Indonesia on the international stage.
“This is the first time an Indonesian has been entrusted with the role of special envoy to the UNSG,” Marsudi stated in a broadcast by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Marsudi, who is set to take on the role on November 1, 2024, described the appointment as a great honor, adding that it came after consultation with President Joko Widodo, who endorsed her decision to accept the mandate. President-elect Prabowo Subianto also expressed full support for her new responsibilities.
In her role as the UNSG’s Special Envoy on Water, Marsudi will be responsible for advancing the global water agenda, including follow-up actions from the 2023 UN Water Conference. She will focus on strengthening partnerships, promoting global cooperation on water issues, and supporting efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which pertains to clean water and sanitation.
Marsudi, who has nearly four decades of diplomatic experience, including ten years as Indonesia’s foreign minister, emphasized her commitment to making water issues a prominent political agenda both within the UN and in international forums. She also aims to mobilize resources and action to address the global water crisis and ensure the fulfillment of water-related targets worldwide.
Marsudi’s appointment as the first UNSG Special Envoy on Water underscores her extensive diplomatic expertise and Indonesia’s growing influence in global efforts to tackle critical issues like water security.
