Minister Oryem Advocates for Sustainable Development and Collaboration at Bali Forum
State Minister for International Cooperation, Henry Okello Oryem, has called for enhanced economic cooperation between Africa and Indonesia at the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali. He emphasized the need for sustainable growth, youth empowerment through digitalization, and expanding agricultural production.
The State Minister for International Cooperation, Hon. Henry Okello Oryem, has emphasized the need for stronger economic cooperation between Africa and Indonesia, underscoring the urgent requirement for sustainable growth and development.
Addressing the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday, Minister Oryem reflected on the historic 1955 Bandung Conference, which established the Ten Bandung Principles.
“These principles have long served as the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement,” said Minister Oryem, who was representing President Yoweri Museveni at the three-day forum. “However, today, we are confronted with an even greater challenge – fostering economic prosperity for all and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Minister Oryem noted that President Museveni currently chairs the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
The Minister praised the strong bilateral relations between Indonesia, Uganda, and the broader African continent, and highlighted the need for enhanced economic cooperation in critical sectors.
“We must leverage the potential of our youth through digitalization to drive growth,” he stated. “Equally significant is the expansion of production in sectors such as agriculture through mechanization and irrigation.”
Minister Oryem also addressed shared global challenges, including climate change, advocating for a balanced approach between environmental responsibility and economic progress. “Mitigation commitments should not come at the expense of economic advancement for developing countries,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Minister Oryem called for the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to transition to industrialization, and he commended Indonesia’s progress in the tourism sector as a model for African countries. “There is immense potential in tourism, a sector where Indonesia has excelled. We have much to learn from their experience,” he remarked.
During the forum, Minister Oryem also participated in a panel discussion titled “Outlook from the Region: Update and Prospect for Cooperation,” where he reiterated Uganda’s commitment to fostering deeper collaboration with Indonesia and other African nations.
