Indonesia Concludes UNSC Presidency in August

UN Security Council Assembly Room. (Photo by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Indonesia’s Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to conclude in August this year.

During the term of Indonesia’s Presidency of the organization, the country managed to carry out a total of 50 activities both held virtually and in-person meetings.

Until the last day of the Presidency on 31 August, Indonesia has chaired 12 open meetings, 12 closed meetings, five additional agendas, and 12 meetings of the council’s subsidiary body.

In addition, the UNSC also ratified four resolutions and issued three press statements for the press.

Indonesia has also held three signature events in which Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi presided over two high-level open debate meetings on Indonesian initiatives on peace-building during the pandemic and the link between terrorism and organized crime.

In addition, Indonesia has also organized an Arria Formula meeting on cyberattacks on vital infrastructure.

Under the Indonesia’s Presidency, the UNSC has adopted four resolutions, namely the extensions of the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the UNSC sanctions against Mali, the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), and female peacekeeping personnel initiated by Indonesia.

The UNSC resolution on female peacekeeping personnel is the first resolution in the history of Indonesian diplomacy in the UNSC and is sponsored by 97 United Nations member countries, including all the UNSC member countries.

In addition, a resolution proposed by Indonesia on countering terrorism has also gained the support of 14 UNSC member countries but it cannot be ratified due to a veto by one country.

All UNSC member countries deplored the use of veto right against the resolution.

Indonesia has also initiated and chaired various other important meetings such as breakfast meetings and Sofa Talks with the UNSC Ambassadors at the Office of the Indonesian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, meetings with the UN Secretary-General, briefings to UN members at the commencement and conclusion of its Presidency, as well as briefings to NGOs and media that specifically cover the UN activities.

Indonesia also continues to play a role as a bridge-builder, contribute to world peace amid the COVID-19 pandemic and safeguard the principles of international law. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas