Multilateralism is being tested for its effectiveness in resolving geopolitical tensions that are currently intensifying.
By
FRANSISCA ROMANA, FROM NEW YORK, USA
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ARSIP KEMENTERIAN LUAR NEGERI RI
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (left) met UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at UN headquarters in New York, United States, Sunday (18/9/2022). They discussed the G20 and the issue of Myanmar.
NEW YORK, KOMPAS — In the midst of division due to global geopolitical tension, multilateral working forums are a pillar for global crisis resolution.
Forums like the Group of Twenty (G20) will hopefully not be bothered by that tension and focus more on producing concrete programs, which can be applied together.
Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi emphasized this on various occasions on the sidelines of the 77th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, the United States.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the opening speech of the UN General Assembly expressed support for multilateral forums to contribute to solving various problems faced by countries in the world.
"I call for stimulus for the Sustainable Development Goals — led by G20 — to massively promote sustainable development for developing countries. The upcoming G20 Summit in Bali will be a good place to start,” he said.
Along with the latest geopolitical developments, many multilateral forums, including the G20 and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), are potentially pressured and pulled by the interests of certain countries. The battle of interests, as happened in the 2022 G20 Presidency of Indonesia, was the main obstacle for G20 in reaching an agreement on global agenda.
A few days ago, Russia's President Vladimir Putin announced troop mobilization backup to secure the occupied territory in Ukraine. He also plans to hold a referendum in four regions of Ukraine.
In response, US President Joe Biden, speaking at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday (21/9/2022), accused Putin of exacerbating the global crisis. He also stated that he continued to support Ukraine to fight Russian troops with more weapons assistance.
KOMPAS/FRANSISCA ROMANA
The 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States, Tuesday (20/9/2022). UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is seen delivering the opening speech.
Disadvantageous
This heated situation is considered unfavorable for multilateral works carried out by a number of countries. In NAM’s Ministerial Level Meeting, Retno, on Wednesday (21/9), said this is a good time to show the relevance and contribution of NAM.
“Today's meeting coincides with growing rivalry among the world's great powers. During the first Non-aligned Movement Summit in 1961, then-president Sukarno said that block collusion [or alliance] based on politics and weapons strength will only lead toward war. The war in Ukraine reflects the situation at that time," she said.
If not managed properly, according to Retno, the same friction can happen in various parts of the world. Therefore, she called on countries not to get trapped in shallow self-interest.
Together with all members, Indonesia strives to make the G20 Summit a success. At the same time, we must not let the G20 be held hostage by geopolitical dynamics.
The G20 Summit will be held in Bali in November 2022. There are two possibilities when the summit takes place: namely, the world situation will improve, or it will get worse. However, whatever happens, Retno emphasized, G20 will focus on producing concrete benefits for member countries as well as developing-poor countries.
As of 13 September 2022, there have been 234 project proposals from a number of countries and 43 projects from international institutions.
"Together with all members, Indonesia strives to make the G20 Summit a success. At the same time, we must not let the G20 be held hostage by geopolitical dynamics," said Retno.
