By: Anggelina Roselia )*
The International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024 has proven itself as an event capable of integrating sustainability principles into global development. Through concrete initiatives produced during the forum, participating countries and the private sector have succeeded in setting new standards in development that not only focus on economic growth, but also take into account social and environmental impacts.
One of the greatest achievements of ISF 2024 is the success in creating a development framework that balances economic interests and ecosystem sustainability. This forum emphasizes that sustainable development is not only about limiting negative impacts on the environment, but also providing opportunities for people to achieve prosperity more equitably.
The concept of development that is only oriented towards gross domestic product (GDP) growth is considered no longer relevant if it is not accompanied by steps that protect the environment and improve social conditions.
During the Gala Dinner, the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia (Wapres RI), KH Ma’ruf Amin continued to remind us of the global commitment to continue sustainable development.
According to him, conventional economic activities with a focus on short-term income have resulted in a climate crisis, environmental degradation, social inequality and loss of biodiversity.
Therefore, to realize the transition to sustainable economic development, it is a necessity and a global responsibility to establish international cooperation. The existence of stronger, more binding regulations and commitments is very important.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan emphasized that Indonesia is capable of becoming a leader in sustainable development. Because this nation has been able to provide an example in this regard, namely the existence of large investment potential in the new and renewable energy (EBT) sector.
In relation to efforts to realize sustainable development, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) also emphasized the importance of eliminating an egocentric economic and interest approach.
The success of ISF 2024 in integrating sustainability into development can be seen from the global commitment to renewable energy. Many countries have expressed their commitment to shift from fossil fuels to more environmentally friendly energy sources.
Thus, this forum serves not only as a discussion space, but also as a place where important decisions are taken to create a greener future. This initiative also shows that sustainable development can be carried out without sacrificing the rate of economic growth.
In addition, ISF 2024 also successfully highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in sustainable development. The private sector has a very large role in creating innovative technologies that support sustainability.
Many multinational companies are introducing environmentally friendly technologies, such as more efficient clean water management systems, green transportation, and sustainable farming methods that use fewer natural resources. This collaboration is an example that the business world can not only be an actor in economic development, but also a major driver in preserving the environment.
On the other hand, ISF 2024 emphasizes the importance of an inclusive development approach. Many developing countries often lag behind in implementing sustainable development due to limited resources and technology.
The forum has provided a greater space for countries to voice their needs and challenges. As a result, several developed countries have agreed to provide financial and technological assistance to developing countries in their efforts to transition to a greener economy.
One of the important initiatives that emerged from this forum was an agreement to implement sustainable development in the infrastructure sector. Infrastructure development is often considered the most difficult sector to compromise on sustainability, given the large energy consumption and environmental impact it produces.
However, through ISF 2024, many countries have committed to adopting green construction technologies and using more sustainable building materials. This is a major step towards creating greener and more livable cities in the future.
In addition, the forum also succeeded in encouraging the adoption of stronger policies on environmental protection. Many countries agreed to strengthen regulations on land use, waste management, and biodiversity protection.
Thus, sustainable development does not only focus on economic aspects, but also includes environmental preservation as an integral part of the development process.
ISF 2024 also successfully highlighted the importance of involving local communities in the sustainable development process. Inclusive and participatory development has proven to be more effective in creating long-term positive impacts.
Many initiatives launched during the forum emphasized the importance of involving communities in decision-making, especially in development projects that directly impact their environment and daily lives.
By involving local communities, sustainable development is not only the responsibility of the government or the private sector, but also becomes a collective effort involving all elements of society.
ISF 2024’s success in integrating sustainability into development provides new hope for a world facing increasingly pressing environmental challenges.
This forum proves that economic development and environmental protection do not have to run in opposite directions. Instead, they can work together to create a more balanced, equitable and sustainable future.
With the emergence of new policies and initiatives from ISF 2024, concrete steps to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development are now on a clearer path.
Development that does not only focus on short-term economic benefits, but also considers long-term impacts on the environment and society, is the path to a better future. The agreement in ISF 2024 indicates that the forum has succeeded in elaborating various ideas from many parties.
)* The author is an environmental observer
