Enviro News Asia, New York — Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, called on the international community to strengthen multilateral cooperation and global solidarity in protecting the world’s forests during the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday (11/5).
Speaking before delegates from United Nations member states, Raja Juli Antoni warned that growing geopolitical tensions and global political uncertainty should not weaken international efforts to address the increasingly urgent climate crisis and environmental degradation.
The Minister stressed that forestry leaders and environmental stakeholders around the world must remain committed to safeguarding forests as vital ecosystems that sustain global climate balance and biodiversity.
“Protecting the world’s forests amid today’s complex geopolitical landscape requires renewed multilateralism. We need stronger solidarity and concrete collective action to ensure the sustainability of forests for future generations,” Raja Juli Antoni stated during the session.
He also urged the global community to view forests beyond political and administrative boundaries, emphasizing that environmental challenges require cross-border cooperation and shared responsibility.
According to the Minister, stronger international partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration are essential to mobilize greater support, investment, and sustainable forest management initiatives worldwide. He said global cooperation remains the only effective pathway to protect forest ecosystems while supporting climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
The remarks served as a reminder to all United Nations member states that despite political differences and shifting global dynamics, commitments to environmental sustainability and biodiversity protection must remain a shared international priority.
Joining the Indonesian delegation at UNFF21 were Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, the Director General of Sustainable Forest Management, and the Director General of Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation. (*)
