International Conference on Sustainable Development, Focus on Tourism

MEDIA RELEASE

First International Conference on Sustainable Development, focusing on Tourism, to be held in Bali as a side event of APEC Indonesia 2013 in October

Jakarta, Indonesia, 04 September 2013 – The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, in partnership with the University of Indonesia Research Center for Climate Change and the United in Diversity Forum, will convene government ministers, investors, business leaders and industry experts to discuss how innovative business models and partnerships between the public and the private sector can more effectively contribute to sustainable development within Asia Pacific economies, particularly in the tourism sector.

The inaugural International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) 2013 with a special focus on Tourism, will be held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Indonesia, on 5th and 6th October 2013. Held as a side event of APEC 2013, ICSD is a dedicated platform for displaying Asian leadership and commitment towards sustainable development.

His Excellency Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, and also a member of the UN High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on Post-2015 Development Agenda, will speak at the Conference. President Susilo will also share his views on sustainable development and launch the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) of Indonesian Chapter and UN SDSN Regional Hub at the Conference.

UN SDSN is a network to mobilise scientific and technical expertise from the private sector, academia/research, and civil society to accelerate sustainable development problem-solving at local, national and global levels.

The Regional Hub seeks to advise the Indonesian and other regional government with their expertise in sustainable development including, policy making and implementation, training and support, as well as to promote educational courses on sustainable development.

Other renowned expert speakers at the Conference include:

• Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia;
• Dr. Bambang Supriyanto, Director of Environmental Services for Conservation Areas & Protection Forest, Ministry of Forestry, Indonesia;
• Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri. Nobel Laureate and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;
• Dr. Xue Lan, Dean, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, China;
• Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, United Nations, and Director of The Earth Institute at the Columbia University, USA;
• Dr. Peter Seligmann, CEO, Conservation International, USA; and Prof Kelly Bricker, Chairwoman and Board Member GSTC.

Convened under the theme Tri Hita Karana: Moving towards a Sustainable Asia Pacific, the Conference lays the agenda to advance sustainability policy frameworks in Asia Pacific. Participants of the Conference will focus on how businesses can be encouraged most effectively and what the appropriate role of government should be in sustainability efforts, as well as how the tourism sector, and businesses in general, can meet current needs without compromising the potential for future generations to grow economically, socially and environmentally.

“Indonesia’s rich biodiversity lends itself to playing a key role in promoting ecotourism and sustainable development,” said Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, “Rapid population growth and urbanization, increasing economic growth, and other human activities is challenging the natural diversity of Indonesia as well as the rest of the world. It is important that we find ways to conserve biodiversity and to involve local communities and organizations in a participatory way to achieve maximum benefits in a sustainable way.”

Indonesia occupies only less than 2 percent of the world’s total area, but is the world’s largest archipelago with over 17,000 islands and comprising over 70% ocean. The country is well-endowed with marine and coastal resources which makes it suitably positioned as a pioneering example of what a ‘blue economy’ would look like when theory meets implementation. Blue economy is a development concept that promotes the use of nature-inspired technologies to promote the use of natural resources for economic growth, social welfare, and environmental health.

“The launches of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network ASEAN Regional Hub and the Indonesia Chapter of SDSN are important milestones for us,” said Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, Director of UN SDSN. “The collaborative effort of both the public and the private sectors is key to accelerating practical problem solving for sustainable development at the local, national, regional and global level. We welcome and are inspired by Indonesia’s strong commitment to the UN efforts for sustainable development.”

The two-day discussions will draw on experts in the field of sustainable development and ecotourism, and will challenge participants to develop an ideal blueprint to rethink economic growth, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection.

“We are delighted to have the first International Conference on Sustainable Development held as a side event of APEC Indonesia 2013”, said Mari Elka Pangestu, “Asia has long been facing the intensifying challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, escalating scarcity of natural resources and growing urbanization; areas that businesses and leaders of the APEC economies should and must address.”

“Hosting the conference in Bali is ideal given that the island plays a key role in Indonesia becoming one of the world leaders in ecotourism,” said Aloysius Arlando, CEO of Singex Group, event consultant of the conference.

“We are privileged to be part of this exciting landmark event and to be working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy as well as several other various organisations to bring about ICSD 2013.”

As part of the programme highlights, delegates who register for ICSD 2013, can also choose to take part in educational tours on 4 October 2013 to Ubud Village, Puri Taman Sari in Umabian and Kedonganan Beach, popular touristy destinations which aim to showcase the beauty of nature, the traditional culture of Bali and the community’s dedication in ‘preserving’ tourism. Registrants can also opt to embark on a site visit on 5 October 2013 to Kura Kura Bali.

Registration to participate in these in these fringe activities are based on a first come, first served basis due to limited spaces available.

For more information on ICSD, please visit www.icsd.asia.

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About Singex

A MICE veteran with thirty years of industry expertise, Singex is backed by top-notch infrastructural capabilities, an extensive global network and a strong commitment to operational and service excellence, to power your business events and growth. Its customised and integrated suite of event and venue solutions include market intelligence, conference and exhibition project management, venue and ancillary services, as well as market representation.

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Singex Group consists of Singex Venues Pte Ltd which manages the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Singex Exhibition Ventures Pte Ltd which develops and organises a portfolio of exhibitions and conventions.

Visit www.singex.com.sg for more information.

The Tri Hita Karana Concept

Tri Hita Karana is a time honoured Balinese philosophy of living in harmony between man and man, man and nature and man and creation. These three elements in different colours are depicted in the logo as equal parts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining holistic balance in our development to ensure a sustainable future.

United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network

The UN Secretary General launched the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), on August 9 2012. The Solutions Network mobilizes scientific and technical expertise from academia, civil society, and the private sector in support of sustainable development problem solving at local, national, and global scales. This Solutions Network accelerates joint learning and helps to overcome the compartmentalization of technical and policy work by promoting integrated approaches to the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. The SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, as well as other international organizations.

The Network is structured around 12 Thematic Groups of global experts that work to identify common solutions and highlight best practices. They also provide technical support to the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

Visit www.unsdsn.org for more information

University of Indonesia Research Center for Climate Change

Established in 2010, the Research Center for Climate Change University of Indonesia (RCCC-UI) is active in improving the knowledge of the civil society, private sectors, and public society in adaptation and mitigation of climate change. The RCCC-UI aims to improve climate change researches and trainings in Indonesia, bring together the national and global climate change stakeholders, develop scientific breakthrough on climate change studies, transform research results for various stakeholders and the public, and position University of Indonesia as a role model in formulating policies and actions to cope with climate change.

United in Diversity Forum

The United In Diversity (UID) Forum is a not-for-profit organization established with Indonesian leaders from business, government, and civil society who recognize an urgent need for action to save their nation’s democratic government and economic and social well-being.

The founding of UID in 2003 and its growth thereafter has been an enduring, positive learning process. UID has galvanized leaders from all sectors to come together, start a new dialogue of responsibility, and agree on concrete actions to address root causes of Indonesia’s problems. In short, UID aims at nothing less than creating and implementing an action plan to forge a new, positive national identity for Indonesia, based on the multiple strengths of its diverse people.

Visit www.unitedindiversity.org/uid/ for more information.