Indonesia Encourages Asia-Pacific Countries to Strengthen Digital Cooperation

Indonesia believes that digital transformation should be a force enabler for the global common good.

IDXChannel - Indonesia believes that digital transformation should be a force enabler for the global common good.

The message was delivered by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the 80th Session Of the United Nations Economic And Social Commission For Asia Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday (22/4/2024).

"The Asia Pacific leads today's world in digital transformation. Its transformation has been accelerated up to 10 years of advancement due to Covid," she stated.

"This positive development should have been our golden ticket towards championing global sustainable development. But in paradox, a 2024 UN Report outlined a concerning trajectory for The Asia Pacific to achieve the SDGs projecting a staggering delay of 32 years until 2062," she continued.

The setback, Retno explained, is a result of multiple crises happening all at once from the aftermath of Covid to destabilizing conflicts happening in different parts of the world. Moreover, the current crisis in the Middle East brings grave concern as it further endangers the attainment of SDGs.

"Digital innovation is crucial to address this paradox," she stressed.

"We must work together through UNESCAP to build a resilient and connected future for the Asia-Pacific," she added.

Retno outlined three pathways of cooperation under UNESCAP. First, developing an integrated digital roadmap. Second, promoting digital inclusivity to bridge the digital divide. Lastly, ensuring transformative technologies for maintaining peace and prosperity. (WHY)