"I understand that funding to finance sustainable development projects is a great challenge," Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Luhut Pandjaitan, said during the closing ceremony of the AIS Conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The conference was organized by the government of Indonesia and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Jakarta on Nov 21 and 22.
Pandjaitan stated that as nations, which are most vulnerable to various disasters, including abrasion, rising sea levels, coral bleaching, natural disasters, overfishing, and various forms of marine pollution, the interests of archipelagic and island nations should be strongly considered by the international world.
"Global action is needed to fund various efforts and initiatives," he remarked.
Moreover, Pandjaitan has invited AIS to work together to highlight its contribution to the international community on global mitigation of climate change.
"Indonesia is also committed to contribute to the possible establishment of a trust fund to support climate change initiatives and development projects in the context of archipelagic and island state forum.
Indonesia hoped that there will be more cooperation and collaboration in various forms of developmental programs, including capacity building project for archipelagic and island nations.
He remarked that Indonesia, along with UNDP, has expressed hope that the meeting would boost the confidence and commitment of AIS to work together in overcoming climate change issues.
"The Indonesian government is committed to force concrete cooperation among archipelagic and island states," he stated.
Meanwhile, Indonesia viewed the importance of establishing a forum of archipelagic and island states as a platform for collaboration and cooperation.
"I hope this forum could also encourage an establishment of practical cooperation and financial solution to fund climate change projects and to achieve sustainable development goals," he stated.
He noted that all parties would look forward to utilize financial mechanisms to support sustainable development projects.
Moreover, the best practices from countries around the world, including in the fields of natural disaster and climate change mitigation and adaptation and coral reef restoration program, could provide knowledge and information to contribute to developing various projects for the benefit of the community.
(T.M052/A/KR-BSR/B003)
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
