UN80 initiative is a system-wide reform effort to make the United Nations more effective, coherent and better equipped to deliver results in a changing world
On the occasion of his upcoming retirement, united nations news spoke with Mr. Thariat about the role of the United Nations Development System in middle-income countries like Indonesia and how to make the most of our partnership with the United Nations.
What is the role of the United Nations Development System in an upper-middle income country like Indonesia?
The United Nations Development System should position itself as a strategic partner in line with its core values in the four areas.
- To provide expertise to translate country needs into implementable development programmes.
- Linking government, the private sector, civil society and international financial institutions to solve complex challenges.
- To act as a catalyst for innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance, green bonds and impact investing.
- To act as custodians of inclusion and universal norms to ensure that no population is left behind in the development journey.
© Tri Theriot
Tri Thariat (centre) accompanies UN development experts on a field trip.
role of United Nations in IndonesiaOur cooperation is reflected in the Framework 2026-2030, which is in line with Indonesia’s national priorities and covers human development, environment and decarbonization as well as economic and digital transformation.
The ambition of the Framework spans 18 strategic priorities across three outcomes, risking a much broader spread of efforts to generate deep, catalytic impact.
Addressing persistent inequalities across Indonesia’s vast archipelago will require a level of specificity that a national framework can only partially meet. This will require a strong commitment from provincial and municipal leaders.
What would you consider to be the main points of the UN Country Team’s contribution to Indonesia?
any success of united nations team This is a success of Indonesia’s own vision and leadership. The United Nations has been a valuable partner in driving our national priorities.
There are three main things which are measurable, nationally relevant and future-oriented.
- Reduction of stunting through integrated nutrition and sanitation programmes.
- Supporting Indonesia’s COVID-19 response and strengthening its health system.
- Advancing Indonesia’s green transition and climate resilience.
How do you measure the success of those collaborations?
Stunting is a top national priority. especially the united nations UNICEFWorld Health Organization (Who), and the World Food Program (wfp), has provided technical assistance, global best practices and supply chain support for maternal health, breastfeeding, as well as water and sanitation.
As a result, Indonesia aims to reduce the prevalence of stunting from 37 percent in 2013 to 21.6 percent in 2022.
When Covid came, Who, UNICEFAnd other UN agencies made life-saving contributions and helped with genomic surveillance, oxygen supply mapping, vaccine cold-chain logistics and risk communication.
© UNICEF/Fouzan Izza
COVID vaccines donated by the COVAX Facility are administered in Indonesia.
The United Nations supported the distribution of more than 400 million vaccine doses, trained thousands of health workers and helped maintain routine vaccinations during the pandemic.
When the world faced an unprecedented crisis, the UN country team stood with us, not as outsiders, but as trusted partners on the ground from Aceh to Papua.
Regarding green change and climate resilience, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (fao) has supported mangrove restoration, early warning systems, just-energy transition planning and sustainable agriculture.
From protecting our coastlines to creating green jobs, these partnerships deliver real results for our people and planet.
What advice would you give to other foreign ministries about how to most effectively engage with the United Nations?
First and foremost, treat the UN country team as a strategic partner in meeting your national priorities.
Specifically, there are three pieces of practical advice I can offer:
- Fully align the UN’s cooperation framework with its national medium-term development plan, ensuring that each UN agency’s work program directly addresses specific national goals.
- Work closely with the UN Resident Coordinator who can convene all UN agencies, unlock global technical expertise and speak with the voice of the UN.
- Harmonize with streamlined UN programs to ensure there is no duplication or redundancies.
What kind of United Nations would Indonesia like to see emerging from the UN80 process?
Indonesia would like to see a United Nations that is more responsive, effective and credible, and better equipped to deal with today’s complex and interconnected challenges.
©ADB
Women work in solar power plants in Indonesia.
We look forward to a stronger multilateral system that makes a real impact on the ground, particularly in supporting sustainable development, peace and resilience.
This includes a United Nations that is more consistent in its pillars, more efficient in its operations, and more inclusive in reflecting the voices and priorities of developing countries.
Ultimately, the United Nations must remain true to its core principles while adapting to the changing global landscape. Above all, Indonesia envisions a United Nations that responds to the needs and aspirations of its broad membership rather than serving the interests of a few.
How do you see Indonesia’s role in the United Nations in the coming years?
Last October, we marked two meaningful milestones: the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and 75 years of Indonesia proudly joining this great institution.
We believe, now more than ever, that the complex challenges of our time can only be solved through collective determination, shared responsibility and genuine partnership.
This belief is not merely rhetorical. This is reflected in the deep and productive partnership between Indonesia and the domestic United Nations system here, built on trust, dialogue and mutual commitment. We are committed to ensuring that this partnership continues to deliver real, measurable impact for Indonesians.
Indonesia actively pursues a non-permanent seat at the United Nations security council For 2029-2030, a candidacy that reflects our commitment to contribute more directly to the maintenance of international peace and security at the highest level.
