Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Water Retno Marsudi has been recognized as a “Champion” for water investment by the Government of South Africa and the Global Outlook Council on Water Investment.
The award was presented at the Africa Water Infrastructure Summit 2025, held in Cape Town from August 13 to 15 as part of South Africa’s G20 presidency. The recognition highlights Retno’s pivotal role as the UN’s first-ever Special Envoy for Water in advancing global investment in the sector.
Retno, who previously served as Indonesia’s foreign minister from 2014 to 2024, described the honor as a major milestone.
“This reflects the trust placed in the UN, and in our collective efforts to address the water needs faced by countries and communities on the ground,” Retno said in a video message.
She underscored the importance of water investment in various international forums, noting that it extends beyond financing. “It also requires investment in political commitment, institutional capacity, human resources, and strategic partnerships,” she added.
Retno reaffirmed her commitment to collaborate with all stakeholders on water-related challenges, emphasizing her approach through the “Triple A” principles for water: Advocacy, Alignment, and Acceleration.
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The nomination of Retno Marsudi as a “Champion” by the South African government was one of the key outcomes of the Africa Water Infrastructure Summit 2025.
As a Champion for water investment, Marsudi will be tasked with strengthening investment in the sector both globally and in regions most in need.
She joins a list of other prominent figures also recognized as Champions, including former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina, World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, and former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
In addition to awarding the Champion titles, the Africa Water Infrastructure Summit 2025 also launched the Global Outlook Council on Water Investment, a new platform aimed at monitoring, reporting, and coordinating global efforts to advance water investment.
(Raidi/Agung)
