H.E. Suryo Pratomo joins distinguished leaders in Singapore to witness the announcement of Ambassador Rena Lee’s historic nomination for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) term 2026–2036
On January 9, 2025, H.E. Suryo Pratomo, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Singapore, attended a significant event where Singapore officially announced the nomination of Ambassador Rena Lee for the position of Judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2026–2036 term. The event, held in Singapore, was graced by key dignitaries, including Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan.
Minister Balakrishnan highlighted Ambassador Lee’s remarkable expertise in international law, honed over three decades. “Ambassador Rena Lee is a distinguished professional who has significantly advanced global governance through her legal acumen and leadership. Her nomination underscores Singapore’s dedication to promoting peace and justice internationally,” he stated.
Ambassador Rena Lee, a veteran in maritime law, treaty negotiations, and multilateral diplomacy, has represented Singapore in various international forums, including the United Nations. Her ability to navigate complex legal issues with professionalism and integrity has earned her widespread respect.
During the event, Ambassador Lee expressed her commitment to upholding the core values of the ICJ. “If elected, I pledge to serve with independence, professionalism, and impartiality, ensuring the ICJ continues to fulfill its critical mission,” she said.
H.E. Suryo Pratomo’s presence underscored the significance of this nomination for the ASEAN region. If elected, Ambassador Lee would be the first ICJ judge from ASEAN in nearly 50 years, bringing much-needed regional representation and a fresh perspective informed by Southeast Asia’s unique challenges in international law.
The ICJ, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It resolves disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal matters. Ambassador Lee’s nomination reflects Singapore’s commitment to contributing to the ICJ’s mission of fostering global peace through the rule of law.
Elections for ICJ judges will take place in late 2025, with candidates voted on by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. Ambassador Lee’s candidacy is expected to receive strong support from both Singapore and the ASEAN region, reinforcing Southeast Asia’s growing role in global governance.
Source: H.E. Suryo Pratomo, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore
