Indonesian President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana have left for Hiroshima, Japan to attend the 49th G7 Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida who is the current president of the G7. The summit, which will take place on 20 May, will have representatives from G7 member countries and their partners to discuss issues such as climate change, food, and energy. Jokowi emphasised that Indonesia will continue to raise the interests of developing countries and promote collaborations and partnerships between developing and developed countries. He added that Japan is a significant economic partner for Indonesia, being its second-largest trading partner and the fourth-largest foreign investment source. During the summit, Jokowi will hold bilateral meetings with several countries, attend a business forum to meet Japanese business players, and raise discussions on peace and the results of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, which was held in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara Province. One of the ASEAN issues that will be discussed at the G7 Summit is the development of conflict in Myanmar.
Jokowi’s emphasis on the interests of developing countries during the G7 Summit highlights a growing movement towards greater inclusion of developing countries in international decision-making. Developing countries have long argued that their voices and interests are not fully reflected in global governance institutions, leading to policies that often prioritise developed countries’ interests. One of the most significant challenges for developing countries is climate change, which has a disproportionate impact on them despite having contributed very little to the problem. Developing countries argue that developed countries have a historical responsibility for climate change and, as such, should take the lead in addressing the issue and providing funding to developing countries.
The G7 Summit, which continues to see the exclusion of developing countries, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the world and the need for greater global cooperation. While climate change is among the most significant issues that the G7 will discuss, developing countries’ representatives will not be present, which raises questions about the legitimacy of the decisions made. The absence of developing countries in global governance institutions is a longstanding issue that requires a solution that recognises their interests and voices.
Jokowi’s attendance at the G7 Summit is a positive move towards addressing the issue as he will raise the interests of developing countries and promote collaborations and partnerships between developing and developed countries. These collaborations and partnerships will help promote a more inclusive global governance system that tackles challenges such as climate change, food security, and energy through a joint effort between developed and developing countries. The G7 Summit will provide Jokowi with a platform to advance Indonesia’s interests as well as those of developing countries.
In conclusion, Jokowi’s attendance at the 49th G7 Summit is an opportunity to challenge the exclusion of developing countries in global governance systems. It is time for the voices and interests of developing countries to be genuinely regarded by the international community. The G7 must take decisive action to address the pressing challenges facing the world in an inclusive and equitable manner. The global governance system must recognise the importance of developing countries’ voices and the significance of their interests. Only then can we achieve a world where sustainable development and prosperity are possible for everyone.
