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To recover stronger, we need uniform, safe, healthy mobility
G20 health ministers will sit down and discuss the universal verifier for digital COVID-19 vaccine certificates in G20 countries at point of entry.
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People line up at the check-in counter at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Dec. 19, 2021. (Courtesy of Kemenparekraf /-)
Indonesia’s founding father Sukarno, one of Asia's greatest leaders, coined in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly 62 years ago the phrase "to build the world anew". He reminded us to work together for that purpose, not just for our own state, but for mankind.
Standing at the grand podium in New York, Sukarno said, “Here, heads of state and heads of government gather … I really hope that the rigid protocol issues and sentiments – individual and national – will not hold [us back in] making the most of the opportunity … We currently have a unique opportunity to combine diplomacy with public interests. Let's use this opportunity. The opportunity won't come back!”
The powerful speech might have been aimed at the political context of that moment, but its meaning speaks loudly today, as Indonesia and countries around the world are reeling from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing quest for world peace.
For matters close to our hearts, we believe the Group of 20 (G20) Health Working Group, scheduled for March 28-30, will be a moment where key decisions for the world's future will be made.
There are two reasons why this week’s event will be crucial.
First, on the harmonizing of global health protocol standards. Going into the third year of the pandemic, the mobility of people and goods remains highly impacted by restrictions. This does not bode well for the economic growth we need to get the world back on its feet after the big blows of COVID-19.
These restrictions have had a devastating impact on many industries, especially trade and tourism, and thus the overall economy. Worldwide, over 250 million people have lost their full-time employment and over 100 million people have been pushed back into extreme poverty since March 2020. In Indonesia alone, the livelihoods of 34 million people have been disrupted because of their dependency on the tourist industry.
