"With the rapid growth of Africa's population, such as Nigeria, which is projected to be the fourth most populated country in the world, Africa is a potential big market for Indonesia," he remarked after a press conference in Badung, Bali, on Sunday.
According to Widyatmoko, there is a large potential for Indonesia to bolster cooperation with Global South countries in the areas of economy and joint development, including in Africa.
However, specific measures had yet to be taken to utilize the potential.
To this end, he noted that the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) and the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF MSP) 2024, held simultaneously, are the right steps.
The two events are held under the collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Development Planning. The total number of participants is projected to reach 1,500 delegates from African and Global South countries.
The HLF MSP 2024 raises the theme of "Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships: Towards a Transformative Change."
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The events comprise main sessions, namely the Joint Leaders Session Indonesia-Africa (IAF) and HLF MSP 2024, as well as the High-Level Plenary Session on the second day.
In addition to the main sessions, the forum will feature 12 parallel events and 17 side events held on September 1-3 at the Bali International Convention Center, Nusa Dua.
Several topics relevant to sustainable development are discussed at the forum, including strategies to increase cross-sectoral and cross-country cooperation in addressing global challenges.
The HLF MSP 2024 is expected to serve as a platform that is effective in promoting policy dialogues and bolstering global commitment to sustainable development.
With the presence of various global stakeholders, Indonesia is hoping to play an important role in pushing transformational change that is more inclusive and sustainable at the global level.
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Translator: Imamatul Silfia, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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