Jakarta, Aug. 31 -- Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said his nomination for director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) was a direct mandate from President Prabowo Subianto.

"The president pointed out that we are a large country but have never had a representative in a top position at a UN agency. Seeing this opportunity, he asked me to step forward," Sadikin told reporters here on Monday.

He said the president had also entrusted him with amplifying the voices of fellow developing countries to ensure they receive greater attention on the global stage.

Sadikin noted that many countries, including Indonesia, see a pressing need for a global leader who can champion the interests of the Global South, emphasizing ...