Leaders must use ‘relentless diplomatic pursuit’ to combat poverty, says Indonesian minister

The international community must use relentless diplomatic pursuit to achieve the eradication of poverty, the promotion of sustainable development and inclusive finance, as well as to overcome the challenge of climate change, the Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs today told the United Nations.

Addressing the 68th General Assembly high-level debate, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said a new development agenda is needed which works for all countries – large or small, developed or developing, and each must share responsibility.

The theme for this year’s session is ‘The Post-2015 Development Agenda: Setting the Stage,’ featuring talks to identify the parameters of a sustainability agenda in the years after 2015, which will succeed the eight anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“The developed countries must take the lead, and the developing countries must do more,” Mr. Natalegawa urged, calling for a strong commitment to the spirit of partnership and an unshakeable belief in the power of multilateralism.

Turning to Syria, he noted that the conflict necessitated a stop to the violence, facilitation of humanitarian relief, and beginning an inclusive political process that reflects the wishes of the Syrian people.

The recent breakthrough on chemical weapons in Syria was “clear evidence” that diplomacy works and that further diplomatic momentum was needed, he said.

He called on the Security Council to make a forceful case for a peaceful solution, and get the parties to the negotiating table by convening an international conference known as Geneva II, with “at the earliest opportunity.”

The General Debate continues through 1 October.