foto: Instagram/@retno_marsudi
After completing her duties as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi is now starting her new role as a special envoy for the UN. This announcement was made via her personal Instagram account on Friday, November 1, 2024.
In the uploaded photo, Retno appears fashionable in a white blouse combined with a black cotton vest. Accessories such as large earrings and round glasses add a stylish impression.
"Today, 1 November 2024, I begin my new role as the first Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Water," he said.
"Water is life. We must put water at the top of the global political agenda and work together to make water a universal and shared public good for all," he continued.
Retno's appointment as special envoy was announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 13 September 2024. In her role, Retno will foster partnerships and advance the water agenda, including the follow-up to the 2023 UN Water Conference.
Guterres explained that the special envoy will use the outcomes of the conference to prepare for various global water processes, especially in the run-up to the 2026 UN Water Conference. In addition, the special envoy will also enhance international cooperation in supporting the achievement of all water-related goals, including Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 of the 2030 Agenda.
In her Instagram post on September 13, 2024, Retno stated, "It is an honor for me and Indonesia to be appointed by the UN Secretary-General as Special Envoy for Water Issues. This is the first appointment for this position and I will start working on November 1, 2024. Please pray for my blessing."
During her tenure as Foreign Minister, Retno actively voiced justice for Palestine. Her last speech at the 79th UN General Assembly highlighted the conflict in Gaza. She reminded, "Never tire of defending truth and justice."
Retno, as Indonesia's first female foreign minister, also highlighted the increasingly worrying humanitarian conditions in Palestine. She stated, "Indonesia will not remain silent and continues to fight for Palestinian independence."
On various occasions, Retno uses symbolic accessories such as keffiyeh and butterfly brooches to convey her message of support for Palestine. The butterfly symbolizes transformation and hope, while the keffiyeh is a symbol of siding with the Palestinian people.
(brl/red)
