UN Highlights Peace, Climate, and SDGs in ASEAN-UN Summit Today

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres attended the 13th ASEAN-UN Summit on the last day of the ASEAN Summit today, Thursday, September 7, 2023. The Secretary-General focused on several issues during the meeting while highlighting the importance of the ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership.

According to António Guterres, the rising geopolitical tensions aggravated the number of challenges already faced by the international community. “There is a real risk of fragmentation, of a Great Fracture in world economic and financial systems,” he said in the press release received by Tempo today.

The first main focus António Guterres brought up in the meeting is concerning the peace and diplomacy in the region. He highlighted the rising tensions in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula, commending ASEAN’s contribution to the pursuit of peaceful dispute resolution, rooted in respect for international law.

In addition, he also expressed concerns about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. The conflict in Myanmar has caused brutal violence, creating millions of refugees, and exacerbated the existing inequalities and vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in the country. “My call to the military authorities of Myanmar is clear: free all detained leaders and political prisoners; open the door towards the full restoration of democratic rule,” he emphasized.

The second issue he highlighted was concerning the climate crisis. According to António Guterres, ASEAN is uniquely positioned to be a leader of an energy transition that is global, sustainable, just, inclusive, and equitable. However, the bloc needs greater ambition to jumpstart a fair and inclusive renewables revolution, along with much greater support. 

“Developed countries must finally deliver on their commitments to developing countries,” he said.

The last issue brought up during the ASEAN-UN Summit is related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). António Guterres called for more resources to catalyze SDG's progress, namely by implementing the SDG Stimulus of US$500 billion a year. The Secretary-General reflected that SDG helped developing economies invest in key transitions across energy, food systems, digital, education, health, decent jobs, and social protection.

NAJLA NUR FAUZIYAH

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