Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Deputy Assistant for Navigation and Maritime Safety Odo Manuhutu said that the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum welcomed the involvement of the private sector.

"We would like to open boundless access to cooperate with youth organizations and digital startups in maritime, tourism, and environment sectors," Manuhutu said during the second Senior Official Meeting (SOM) for AIS here on Thursday.

The Indonesian government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), as co-hosts, have invited various speakers from different institutions in an effort to generate applicable solutions.

"We invited national and international speakers who have competence in maritime affairs as well as youth organizations, NGOs, and startups that have the potential to develop innovative solutions," he remarked.

The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs of Indonesia and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) held the second SOM for AIS from Sept 6 to 8, 2018, In Jakarta.

The meeting invited 46 archipelagic and island nations from across various regions.

The forum is intended to be a follow-up to the previous meeting held last year.

Singapore, Palau, Mauritius, New Zealand, Solomon Island, St. Kitss and Nevis, and The United Kingdom are among countries invited to the second SOM AIS.

On this occasion, the government of Indonesia took delegates to mangroves and turtle conservation facilities in Pulau Pramuka, Kepulauan Seribu Regency.

"On the last day, we will bring the delegates to Pulau Pramuka to showcase them on how we manage the climate change effects and handle waste on the island," he pointed out.

(A063/INE)
Reporting by Aziz Kurmala
Editing by Rahmat Nasution

Reporter: Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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