[Chairperson of the House Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation (BKSAP) Fadli Zon accompanied by Executive Members of the Committee at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations in New York, USA. Photo: BKSAP Archive/jk]

Chairperson of the House Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation (BKSAP) Fadli Zon voiced global solidarity to suppress structural inequality caused by COVID-19. According to Zon, no country in the world is immune to the pandemic, therefore global solidarity is considered effective in empowering countries to join forces for a speedy recovery in all aspects affected by the pandemic.

“If the inequality is not addressed properly, the gap between developed and developing countries, between the rich and the poor, will only get wider. This will certainly further hamper the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," said Fadli Zon at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, Friday (18/2/2022).

At the event attended by more than 200 parliamentarians from 70 countries around the world, Zon emphasized cooperation and collaboration as the principle of global solidarity. He assessed that the impact of COVID-19 is evident not only in the health sector, but also in the environment, economic, social, and political aspects of society. He further shared how COVID-19 -- and the economic inequality it caused in many countries -- have made the achievement of the 17 SDGs challenging, especially in countries with ongoing conflicts or war.

Thus, Zon reiterated the Indonesian House's commitment to contributing to global recovery efforts through various multilateral forums. "Despite the challenges, we continue to work towards achieving the SDGs. We also hope for comprehensive support that involves people from all walks of life so that, in the future, no one will be forgotten in the sustainable recovery. No one will be left behind.” concluded the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party politician.

The IPU Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations is a forum for parliaments around the world to convey their views and perspectives on current global challenges, as well as to explore joint efforts that can be initiated to achieve sustainable recovery. Any views expressed will become recommendations for governments of the United Nations member states, especially in the deliberation of the UN General Assembly in September 2022.

In the forum themed "Building Political Support and Inclusive Responses to Sustainable Recovery", the Indonesian Parliament delegation was represented by Chairperson of BKSAP Fadli Zon (Gerindra) and other Vice Chairpersons of the committee: Sihar Sitorus (Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle/PDIP), Mardani Ali Sera (Prosperous Justice Party/PKS), Putu Supadma Rudana (Democrat Party), and Achmad Hafisz Tohir (National Mandate Party/PAN). (agl/ts/sf)