Jokowi Calls for a “UN 2.0” at Penang Peace Dialogue

Joko “Jokowi” Widodo wants the international community to move beyond what he called the old version of the United Nations and build a “UN 2.0.”

Indonesia’s seventh president made the call during a speech at the Penang Peace Dialogue in Malaysia on Sunday. He said today’s global challenges are becoming more complex because conflicts are interconnected and their effects cross national borders.

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As we need a stronger global institution, stronger global mediation and stronger global diplomacy to keep peace, now we must move beyond the old edition of the UN and build a new edition, the new UN 2.0.

“As we need a stronger global institution, stronger global mediation and stronger global diplomacy to keep peace, now we must move beyond the old edition of the UN and build a new edition, the new UN 2.0,” Jokowi said.

He said the United Nations should reform and redefine its systems, processes and strategies so it can operate more effectively, promote a better world and remain relevant. Sustainable prosperity, he added, can only be achieved when countries choose peace over conflict, cooperation over competition and collaboration over division.

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Because sustainable prosperity can only be achieved when every nation chooses peace over conflict. Cooperation over competition, and collaboration over division.

Jokowi argued that no country can succeed alone, no nation can prosper amid conflict and no peace can be built without trust. He described Southeast Asia as more than a diverse region, calling it a living example of how civilizations can coexist, learn from one another and grow together.

“Here in Southeast Asia, differences are not barriers; differences are bridges to understanding, cooperation, and shared progress,” he said. He urged developed nations to follow those values, arguing that a country’s greatness should be measured not only by its technology, economic strength or political influence, but also by its responsibility, wisdom and ability to foster peace, stability and shared prosperity.

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Here in Southeast Asia, differences are not barriers; differences are bridges to understanding, cooperation, and shared progress.

“Developed countries must not focus solely on their own interests; they must shoulder greater responsibility to build trust, strengthen cooperation, and help create a more peaceful world,” Jokowi said.

The dialogue addressed global peace issues. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his delegation attended a gala dinner on Saturday, along with Indonesian Consul General Wanton Saragih, diplomatic staff, local community leaders, international figures and media representatives.

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Developed countries must not focus solely on their own interests; they must shoulder greater responsibility to build trust, strengthen cooperation, and help create a more peaceful world.