Jokowi Inaugurates HLF MSP and IAF 2024: Indonesia Reaffirms Its Vital Role in Achieving SDGs

Bali, INTI - In a historic moment at Hotel Mulia Nusa Dua, Bali, President Joko Widodo officially opened the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF MSP) and the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) Joint Leaders Session 2024. In his speech, President Jokowi reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to being a key force in driving the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amidst increasingly complex global dynamics.

“The achievement of SDG targets must remain the primary focus of global development, aligned with national and regional development priorities, including Africa’s Agenda 2063, and supported by multi-stakeholder partnerships,” President Jokowi stated emphatically.

This message was delivered against the backdrop of a challenging global situation, where economic uncertainty, climate change, and geopolitical tensions have impacted the progress of SDGs in many countries. President Jokowi emphasized that Indonesia, as a major nation with a strong commitment to global justice, will continue to play an active role in defending the interests of countries in the Global South.

In his address, the President also stressed the importance of Indonesia's role as a "bridge builder" among nations, particularly in promoting equality, justice, and solidarity to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. This commitment, according to the President, has been part of Indonesia's identity since the Asia-Africa Conference 69 years ago.

Not only focused on achieving the SDGs, Jokowi also underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between Indonesia and Africa, which he considers a key region in the global development agenda. “The results of the Indonesia-Africa partnership so far have been very tangible, leading to significant increases in trade volumes and various trade agreement deals,” he revealed.

President Jokowi proudly announced that at this year’s IAF, Indonesia and African countries have reached business agreements worth a total of USD 3.5 billion, a nearly sixfold increase compared to the first IAF in 2018. This underscores the importance of this forum in strengthening economic ties between nations.

In closing his remarks, President Jokowi called on all participants to revive global solidarity to strengthen inter-nation cooperation, both at the South-South and North-South levels. The President also announced that Indonesia will host the Platinum Jubilee of the Asian-African Conference in 2025, as a form of Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to cooperation among developing nations.

“And with the same spirit, next year Indonesia will host the Platinum Jubilee of the Asian-African Conference to commemorate 70 years of the Asia-Africa Summit,” President Jokowi concluded with great enthusiasm.