Indonesia’s seventh president, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, called for the creation of a new United Nations 2.0 during an address at the Penang Peace Dialogue in Penang, Malaysia, stating that modern global challenges require stronger institutions, mediation, and diplomacy.
Global Challenges and the Call for a New UN 2.0
Speaking at the event on Sunday, Jokowi argued that the global community can no longer rely on older institutional frameworks. As reported by Tempo.co, he stated, “As we need a stronger global institution, stronger global mediation and stronger global diplomacy to keep peace, now we must move beyond the old edition of the UN and build a new edition, the new UN 2.0.” Antaranews.com corroborated these remarks, noting his emphasis that the UN must reform its processes and strategies to stay relevant in addressing complex, transboundary conflicts.
Jokowi stressed that sustainable prosperity requires nations to prioritize peace, cooperation, and collaboration over conflict, competition, and division. He maintained that no individual country can achieve success alone, nor can any nation prosper amid ongoing conflict. Furthermore, he reminded attendees that trust remains an essential prerequisite for forging lasting peace.
Southeast Asia as a Collaborative Blueprint
Highlighting regional achievements, Jokowi pointed to Southeast Asia as a living model for inter-civilizational coexistence and mutual growth. According to Tempo.co and Antaranews.com, he described the region as a crucial blueprint for collaboration within a multipolar world. “Here in Southeast Asia, differences are not barriers; differences are bridges to understanding, cooperation, and shared progress,” Jokowi explained during his address.
Building on this regional example, Jokowi urged developed nations to adopt similar core values. He asserted that the greatness of an advanced country should be measured by its wisdom, responsibility, and capacity to foster stability and shared prosperity rather than solely by economic strength, technological prowess, or political clout. Developed nations must look beyond their own interests and shoulder greater responsibility in building trust worldwide, according to the reports.
Event Attendance and Future Outlook
The Penang Peace Dialogue convened to tackle pressing issues surrounding global peace. Coverage from both Tempo.co and Antaranews.com detailed that the gathering included a gala dinner on Saturday evening, September 5, attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his delegation. Indonesian Consul General Wanton Saragih, his diplomatic staff, local community leaders, international figures, and media representatives were also present at the events.
Worth a look