By: Khalilah Nafisah)*
Indonesia is once again demonstrating its strategic role on the global stage by hosting two important international events: the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF MSP) 2024 and the 2nd Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF). Both events not only serve as a platform for diplomacy but also reaffirm Indonesia’s commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable global partnerships. In the midst of increasingly complex global challenges, Indonesia is striving to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve common solutions. With an innovative and transformative approach, HLF MSP 2024 and the 2nd IAF become important stepping stones towards achieving the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045 and strengthening solidarity among global nations.
The HLF MSP 2024, which will be held in Bali from September 1-3, 2024, is an international forum designed to respond to increasingly complex global challenges, such as multipolar crises, the weakening of multilateralism, and the impacts of the global pandemic.
The Deputy for Politics, Law, Defense, and Security of the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency, Bogat Widyatmoko, emphasized that this forum is a concrete effort by Indonesia to invite the world to collaboratively prepare solutions to global issues affecting the welfare of humanity. HLF MSP 2024 serves as a platform to address various crises that have widened the development gap between countries in the Global South and North, as well as slowed progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
By promoting multi-stakeholder partnerships, this forum emphasizes the importance of collaboration involving various sectors—from government, the private sector, to civil society—to create inclusive and sustainable solutions. The three main focuses of discussion at the HLF MSP 2024 include strengthening cooperation: Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation; Enhancing Welfare and Sustainability through a Sustainable Economy; and Advancing Development through Innovative Financing.
Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Enhancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation aims to reinforce cooperation among countries, and through triangular partnerships with other developing nations as well as donors from developed countries. This approach is expected to facilitate the exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge, which are vital in addressing the complex and interconnected global challenges. By fostering broader and more inclusive partnerships, this forum aims to generate more effective and sustainable solutions.
Secondly, through Enhancing Welfare and Sustainability through a Sustainable Economy, participants are invited to formulate and implement strategies that can integrate environmental aspects into the core of economic development by engaging in discussions on innovative ways to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of the economy, including the industrial, agricultural, and service sectors. Positioning sustainability as a key pillar in economic growth encourages the forum to promote a growth model that not only enhances welfare but also ensures the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
Thirdly, Advancing Development through Innovative Financing emphasizes the importance of seeking new and creative sources of funding to support sustainable development projects. Participating countries will explore various financing mechanisms that can support development initiatives, ranging from the use of innovative financial instruments to collaboration with the private sector and the utilization of funds from sustainable investments. It is hoped that through this discussion, participants can identify and apply effective financing methods that not only ensure the sustainability of the project but also maximize social and environmental impact.
Meanwhile, the Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF) 2nd edition in Nusa Dua, Bali, from September 1-3, 2024, will also see Indonesia playing an important role in bridging cooperation between Indonesia and African countries. The theme raised this time, “Bandung Spirit for Africa’s Agenda 2063,” is not just a reminder of the historical solidarity between Asia and Africa that began with the Asian-African Conference in 1955, but also a manifestation of the Global South spirit that is key in defining sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation among developing countries.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Pahala Mansury, emphasized that the 2nd IAF will be an opportunity to deepen the long-established relationships with African countries. The IAF will not only discuss general topics but will also specialize in addressing four critical priority sectors for both parties: food security, energy, health, and minerals. These four areas are the main pillars that are expected to support our collective efforts in addressing the global challenges we face today and enhancing the well-being of society.
With the support of heads of state and high-ranking officials from various African countries, as well as the attendance of President Joko Widodo, the 2nd IAF is not only expected to be a platform for the exchange of ideas but also a concrete event for signing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) estimated to have a total value of up to US$3.5 billion. The investments and collaborations generated from this forum are expected to open new opportunities in export market diversification, commodity supply, and foreign investment, which in turn will strengthen economic connectivity and diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Africa.
HLF MSP 2024 and the 2nd IAF are proof that Indonesia has a clear vision for the future and is committed to playing a larger role in the world. Through these two forums, Indonesia demonstrates that it is ready to take concrete steps in addressing global challenges, strengthening global solidarity, and accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals. For us, the younger generation, this moment is a call to contribute to shaping a better future, not only for Indonesia but also for the world.
The writer is an activist on social issues in Indonesia.
