Collaboration is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a message highlighted at the "SDGs Hub UI Symposium: Acting Together for a Sustainable Future" on 6 November. The event brought together University of Indonesia, in collaboration with SDSN Indonesia and other stakeholders, to strengthen sustainable development initiatives.
In the first session, Gantjang Amannullah from Bappenas highlighted the important role of local governments in strengthening SDG implementation, highlighting the 67 key indicators outlined in Indonesia's SDG 2030 roadmap. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges that require innovation and collective commitment.
The second session explored the role of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) in accelerating the localization of the SDGs. UCLG ASPAC highlighted the importance of empowering cities and regions, while Prof. Bayu Arie Fianto from the Indonesia SDGs Center Network highlighted the critical role of SDG Center Networks in strengthening local capacities to achieve sustainable development goals.
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Empowering SMEs: The Key to Sustainable Urban Development
At this event, interesting lessons from Japan were shared in relation to the implementation of the SDGs. Michael Permana Rinaldi from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) explained that when the SDGs were introduced in 2016, Japan initially viewed them as philanthropic efforts, such as disaster relief or food aid. However, by 2020, Japan recognised the importance of integrating SDGs into business processes, especially for SMEs, which are seen as key to urban and regional revitalisation.
Japanese local government support for SMEs and SDGs has grown alongside the emergence of sustainable business opportunities that attract investors and inspire young people. Youth interest in the SDGs has skyrocketed, with many favouring companies that embrace green and blue business principles.
The Japanese government is also working with local and national financial institutions to provide low-interest or interest-free loans to companies that engage in SDG-related initiatives. This model offers valuable lessons for Indonesia, where contributions to the SDGs are still largely driven by government sectors, while private sector engagement remains limited.
