Indonesia has carried out its duties as the Presidency of the UN Security Council (DK) in August 2020. Under the Indonesian Presidency, the UN Security Council has successfully carried out a total of 50 activities, both virtual and in-person meetings.
Until the last day of the Presidency on August 31, 2020, Indonesia has chaired 12 open meetings, 12 closed meetings, 5 additional agendas, and 12 UNSC Subsidiary Body meetings. In addition, the UN Security Council also produced 4 resolutions, 3 Press Statements.
The Indonesian Presidency has held three signature events, in which the Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi chaired two High-Level Open Debate meetings on Indonesian initiatives regarding peacebuilding during a pandemic and the link between terrorism and organized crime.
Apart from that, Indonesia has also held an Aria Formula meeting regarding cyber-attacks on vital infrastructure.
Under the Indonesian Presidency, the UN Security Council has adopted 4 resolutions, they were: resolution on extending the mandate of the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), resolution on extending the mandate of the peacekeeping mission in Somalia (UNSOM), resolution on extending the sanctions regime in Mali and a resolution on female peacekeeping personnel initiated by Indonesia.
The UNSC resolution on women peacekeepers is the first resolution in the history of Indonesian diplomacy in the UN Security Council. It was sponsored by 97 UN member countries, including all UNSC member countries.
Another resolution proposed by Indonesia on counterterrorism also received the support of 14 UN Security Council member states, but it cannot be ratified due to a veto by one country. All UN Security Council member countries regret the use of veto against the resolution.
Not only a formal meeting of the UN Security Council, but Indonesia has also initiated and chaired various casual meetings.
Indonesia led breakfast meetings and Sofa Talks with the UN Security Council 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 beginning and end of the Presidency, as well as briefings to NGOs and media that specifically cover the UN.
While holding the presidency, Indonesia continues to strive to play a role as a bridge-builder, contribute to world peace amid the COVID-19 pandemic and safeguard the principles of international law.
(RRI/Retno Mandasari)