TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In her speech delivered to the 77th United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi highlighted a plethora of global issues from the need for a collective global effort amidst geopolitical tensions and looming threats of an economic crisis.

While at the General Debate, Marsudi maintains that the current state of the world is worrying due to the persisting pandemic and sluggish global economy. Without mentioning specific countries, she also noted the fear of war among nations that has turned into a reality and is no longer a mere possibility.

“Violation of international law has become a norm in pursuit of narrow self-interest. Crisis after crisis is unfolding around the world: climate change, rising inflation, food, and energy shortages,” said the Minister who was present in the General Assembly in replacement of President Joko Widodo this year.

The Minister explained the similar global conditions leading up to the Second World War and what is now observable on the global stage.

“History teaches us these phenomena might lead to a huge war. Let us look at the period leading up to Second World War. The Great Depression, the rise of ultra-nationalism, competition over resources, and rivalry between major powers,” she said, “These are very similar to what we are facing today.”

Marsudi believes that the global community has been handling these challenges the wrong way which leads to more division instead of unity.

“We have been working individually instead of collectively. We have been focusing on words instead of deeds. The question now what are we going to do about it? Are we going to continue on the same path? Or are we going to choose a different path?” the Minister stated as cited from the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry website.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine was the focal point of world leaders’ speeches at the United Nations General Assembly this week.

Western leaders criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's move for its potential in escalating the conflict with the announcement of a military mobilization for Ukraine on Wednesday.

Those voicing strong opposition against Russia’s aggression were United States President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Liz Truss, and French President Emmanuel Macron. All while stating their support for Ukraine would not subside. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted on blaming the West for the military operation in Ukraine.

Minister Retno Marsudi then offered world delegations a new global paradigm with a win-win and not zero-sum paradigm. “A paradigm of engagement not of containment. A paradigm of collaboration not of competition. This is the transformative solution that we need,” she asserted.

Retno Marsudi also mentioned specific regions that would benefit from this new paradigm: Palestine and Afghanistan.

“We must also apply this new paradigm to make a breakthrough in Palestine and Afghanistan. For far too long, the people in Palestine have suffered and longed-for peace. Until Palestine can truly become an independent State, Indonesia would stand firm in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. Peoples in Afghanistan also deserve a peaceful and prosperous life. Where the rights of all peoples, including women, are equally respected,” said Marsudi at the 77th United Nations General Assembly.

INDONESIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

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