Sugiono pushes for UN and Security Council reforms to address global challenges

Foreign Minister Sugiono has urged reforms to the United Nations (UN) and its Security Council to ensure they remain relevant amid rising global challenges and international conflicts. His statement was made during an Open Debate of the UN Security Council, chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the current Council president, in New York, United States, on Tuesday (26 May). ‘In simpler terms, the relevance of the UN must be aligned with current times, as it was established in the post-World War II era,’ Sugiono said in a video statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday. Sugiono noted that many global changes over the past 80 years have not been adequately addressed by the existing international system, including emerging conflict hotspots worldwide. Indonesia also highlighted the limited representation of Global South nations in the UN Security Council and the frequent use of veto power hindering resolutions on international issues. ‘Moreover, the message is consistent: we do not want the UN to lose relevance, but rather to grow stronger in facing global dynamics. We are aware that new challenges, such as artificial intelligence and environmental issues, continue to emerge,’ Sugiono added. During the forum, he reiterated Indonesia’s support for Palestinian independence through a two-state solution, describing the issue as a test of the UN’s credibility. ‘The independence of the Palestinian people based on a two-state solution is absolutely essential, and the role of the UN and Security Council is instrumental in achieving this goal,’ Sugiono said. Furthermore, Indonesia emphasised the importance of respecting international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to maintain stability and prevent the seas from becoming arenas of conflict or political pressure tools. As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia considers the recognition of archipelagic waters and international sea lanes a strategic interest that must be safeguarded through a robust international system. Additionally, Sugiono called for greater protection for UN peacekeepers following the reported deaths of four Indonesian personnel serving in the UNIFIL mission. ‘Protecting peacekeepers is not optional but a duty,’ he said.