New York. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday announced Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi as his Special Envoy on Water to enhance international cooperation and synergies among various international water processes.

Her main tasks will be “galvanizing partnerships and concerted efforts to advance the water agenda, including the follow-up on the outcomes of the United Nations 2023 Water Conference”.

“She will support efforts to ensure a water-secure future for all by advocating for stronger political, economic, and social-cultural cooperation at all levels,” reads a statement from the UN website.  

“The Envoy serves as a champion and high-level advocate on water and sanitation issues, raising water issues high on the political agenda within and outside the UN, convening stakeholders across the spectrum, amplifying the work of the UN system, and mobilizing action and financial resources to address the global water crisis,” it reads.

Retno will represent the UN Secretary-General in global water processes and work with UN-WATER and its members in support of the implementation of the UN System-wide Strategy on Water and Sanitation at all levels, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 Global Accelerator Framework.

She will take up the new role on November 1, 2024, after completing her government service.  

Retno has been serving as the Indonesian foreign minister for a decade since President Joko Widodo assumed office. The current cabinet will be dissolved next month to pave way for the new president, Prabowo Subianto.

The UN cited Retno’s leadership role in the 10th World Water Forum in Bali I May, leading to a consensually agreed Ministerial Declaration as the outcome of the Forum.  

“She provides dedication, reflected through Indonesia’s leadership, including as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2019–2020), President of G20 (2022), Chair of ASEAN (2023), and many other international entities and organizations,” the statement said.  

Additionally, Retno was appointed co-chair of the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) Engagement Group which ensures equitable access of COVID-19 vaccines for 92 lower-middle and low-income economies during the pandemic.

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