Labschool's International Cultural Day (LICD) - Resident Coordinator's Speech, Gita Sabharwal

Selamat Pagi
It is an absolute pleasure to join you this morning!
Let me begin by thanking the chair of the student council, principal of junior high and Ibu Wiewien for inviting me to Labschool JKT.
This is the first time I am visiting your school and I know this is a great place to study and it is each of you who make this school great.

As someone who is new to Indonesia, engaging in a dialogue with young people is very important.
It allows me to connect with young people, hear what you have to say and take some of the messages to inform UN’s work in Indonesia. 
You are the world’s future. 
And you will be playing an important role in years to come in making the planet a better place for all of us.

Interactive session

First question.
There are over 23 UN agencies who work in Indonesia, and we have close to 1,400 staff members. Most of our staff is Indonesian.
Can you name any one UN agency? 
What does the UN agency do?
Let me now introduce the UNCT in Indonesia…

Second question.
When did Indonesia join the UN? 28 September 1950 it became the 60th member of the UN.
Exactly 75 years back.
The government will be celebrating this by issuing a series of postage stamp.
As you know, the UN is an intergovernmental body which was established in 1945 – 80 years ago. 
It brings 193 countries or MS together.
This means decisions are taken by consensus with governments through the General Assembly. (Main policy making body of the UN)
The UNGA meets annually in September. Typically, the head of state – President represents the country.  

Third question.
Has anyone heard about SDGs? 
Can you mention one of the SDGs? And do you know what do they mean?
The SDGs define the work that the UN does globally and in each country.
There are 17 SDGs that all MS signed up to in 2015 with the idea of achieving them by 2030.
The SDGs focus on social, economic, climate and peace related dimesions of development.
If you look at the screen – you will see the 17 SDGs – which range from ending poverty, eliminating hunger, promoting health and wellbeing, quality education, gender equality, clean water, clean energy, decent work, industry, reducing inequality, sustainable cities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, Partnerships. 
This also defines UN’s work in Indonesia.
We work in close partnership with Government including BAPPENAS, where Ibu Wiwien works in advancing these goals.

Fourth question.
How do you contribute towards the SDGs?
Can anyone give me an example of this?

As young people you can actively contribute to the SDGs.
At home, in your neighborhood or with your friends.
You can think of innovative ways of engaging across any of these issues based on your interest.
For example, if you are at the beach, collecting plastic waste is a way to contribute – as you are protecting the oceans.
At home, making sure you collect your plastic waste and support its recycling is a good way. This is about protecting the environment.
Last week – I met this young person who has recently graduated from the ITB, who is supporting to set up solar panels and teaching communities on how to operate and manage them. He is an engineer by training and is playing to his interest.

Fifth question.
How many of you would like to join the UN? And why?
We want more young people to join the UN.
The SG is committed to this.
In 2023 the SG announced the UN youth office based in NY.
It is headed by a young doctor Felipe Paullier from Uruguay.
He works with a small team of young people to make sure your voices are heard as part of the work of the UN.
I am keen to have young people advising me as the UN RC. For this I will soon set up an advisory body of young influencers with whom I can engage.

Thank you very much.
I have really enjoyed this conversation with you.
I would like to welcome you to come to the UN office in JKT.
It will be our pleasure to host some of you and engage in a deeper dialogue on the role that you can play in advancing SDGs.
You can follow our work on Instagram, X/Twitter and webpage.
I also hope that some of you will decide to pursue careers in development and even join us at the UN one day!

Achieving these goals enable countries like Indonesia to become greener, wealthier and more inclusive for all their residents.  
You can help us lessen climate change, protect the environment, and lift people out of poverty across Indonesia.