Indonesia's first female Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi served from 2014-2019—now extended to 2024—in President Joko Widodo's parliamentary cabinet. She was also the first Indonesian to receive the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, in December 2011.

Marsudi is a career diplomat with appointments including Indonesian ambassador to Norway and Iceland from 2005-2008, and to the Netherlands from 2012-14. Furthermore, she served as Director General of Europe and America, overseeing Indonesia's relations with 82 countries in Europe and America.

She has led various multi-lateral negotiations and bilateral consultations with the European Union, ASEM and FEALAC.

This year, Marsudi co-chairs the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) Engagement Group, a financing instrument to support the participation of 92 lower-middle and low-income economies in the COVAX Facility and ensure their access to COVID-19 vaccines.