By: Ali Fahmi)*
The world is currently facing major challenges, especially climate change, biodiversity loss, and the negative impacts of industrial activities, making sustainability issues increasingly urgent. The Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024, which will take place on 5-6 September 2024 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), is an important momentum for stakeholders to jointly formulate strategic steps towards a more sustainable economy. With a larger scale than before, ISF 2024 aims to present innovation and collaboration in driving the sustainability agenda across sectors.
ISF 2024 highlights key issues in sustainability through five pillars of discussion, namely green economy, energy transition, nature conservation and biodiversity, sustainable lifestyles, and marine economy. By focusing on these pillars, the forum seeks to educate and inspire participants on best practices that can be applied to address sustainability challenges.
As expressed by the Deputy Chairperson for Maritime Affairs, Investment, and Foreign Affairs of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Shinta Kamdani, that by bringing together various stakeholders in the global energy transition sector, ISF 2024 produces strategic solutions to answer the challenges in implementing sustainable business practices, especially in terms of funding.
One of the main focuses of ISF 2024 is the energy transition, which is a key aspect in achieving global sustainability targets. In the midst of efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, Indonesia needs to switch to more environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. This forum is a place for experts and practitioners to share knowledge and experiences related to renewable energy technologies, as well as discuss challenges and opportunities in their application. In this context, it is important for the government to provide policies that support the development and application of green technology.
ISF 2024 is an important opportunity to strengthen the joint commitment of the business world as the main driver in raising green funding, creating real results, including collaborative initiatives to address the gap in sustainable funding, and providing an opportunity for domestic industries to showcase their sustainable and environmentally friendly projects to global stakeholders and investors.
As conveyed by the Deputy for Infrastructure and Transportation Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Rachmat Kaimuddin, Indonesia as the organizer of ISF 2024 has made this moment one of the largest climate action events in the Asia Pacific region. ISF 2024 is the second largest climate action event in the Asia-Pacific region after COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The ISF 2024 forum also produced a policy discussion that was delivered at COP29 in November.
In addition, ISF 2024 also emphasizes the importance of nature conservation and biodiversity. Indonesia, as a country with very high biodiversity wealth, has a responsibility to protect and preserve its natural resources. Through various panel sessions and discussions, this forum discusses concrete strategies to raise awareness of the importance of conservation and the implementation of sustainable practices in natural resource management.
Biodiversity is a valuable asset and by preserving biodiversity, we not only protect the environment, but also ensure economic sustainability for future generations.
Another equally important pillar in ISF 2024 is a sustainable lifestyle. This forum raises public awareness about the importance of adopting a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, from food consumption, energy use, to waste management. Through education and campaigns carried out in this forum, it is hoped that the public can better understand the impact of each of their actions on the environment. Big changes start from small actions and by changing daily habits, we can contribute to environmental sustainability.
The marine economy, which is one of the pillars of ISF 2024, represents how Indonesia has a very large and resource-rich marine area. Sustainable management of the marine economy is essential to ensure that marine resources can be utilized wisely without damaging the existing ecosystem. In this context, discussions on sustainable fishing practices, fisheries development, and marine ecosystem conservation are the main focus. Marine experts at this forum are expected to provide insights on how to increase the productivity of the marine economy without sacrificing environmental sustainability.
With the holding of ISF 2024, it is expected to create a strong collaboration between the government, private sector, academics, and civil society in addressing sustainability challenges. Through open and constructive discussions, all stakeholders can formulate more effective strategies to achieve the desired sustainability goals. This is important to ensure that sustainability is not just a jargon, but becomes an integral part of every policy and practice implemented in Indonesia.
ISF 2024 is a strategic platform that offers an opportunity to drive the sustainability agenda in Indonesia. With a focus on five important pillars, this forum is a place for various parties to collaborate and share knowledge. Through ISF 2024, it is hoped that Indonesia can lead in creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges, as well as being an example for other countries.
This moment must be utilized as best as possible, because sustainability is not only the responsibility of the government or a particular sector, but is a shared responsibility. Let’s support ISF 2024 and contribute to creating a greener and more sustainable future for future generations.
)* The author is an academic and observer of environmental issues