Jakarta, 25 November 2020 – A global ministerial gathering of archipelagic and island nations kicked off today with a focus on bolstering sustainable ocean development and blue economy strategic cooperation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum held its third Ministerial Meeting, co-hosted by the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Other issues on the table were Blue Digital Connectivity, and Ocean Sustainability Investment.

The Indonesian Ministry for Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesian Ministry for Environment and Forestry also co-chaired the Forum.

Over 40 delegates, including nine ministers from 25 participating countries in the AIS Forum gathered virtually to discuss support for sustainable economic growth, within the framework of the AIS Forum which is, based on collaboration, solidarity, opportunity, inclusivity, and interdependence. During the meeting, representatives also discussed the opportunity to implement developments in economic, social, and environmental cooperation programs after the pandemic.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan noted that the pandemic had increased the resilience of the archipelagic and island nations and had brought governments together to work through the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

“Our common vision is to move towards a Sustainable Ocean Future. We must work together and fosteri and strengthen our solidarity and partnership. Only through collaboration and concerted efforts, can we find solutions to scale up the global mission to restore our oceans,” he said.

The AIS Forum also launched three important initiatives which will be the focus of the 2021 plan, namely the development of the Blue Economy Development Index, the AIS Blue Startup Hub, and the Blue Financing Framework. These initiatives are expected to enhance the development of sustainable and equitable blue economy and realization of SDG 14.

“The world’s oceans are under serious threat and those of us in the archipelagic and island states must take the lead in addressing these issues. As we work towards

achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the platform created by the AIS Forum gives a strategic opportunity to put innovative solutions on sustainable marine and coastal development into action,” said Norimasa Shimomura, Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia.

The Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wishnutama Kusubandio, echoed Mr. Norimasa’s statement, urging countries under AIS Forum are to collaborate even more in facing today’s crisis and future challenges

During the meeting, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs also announced Indonesia’s commitment to the second round of support for the AIS Forum Secretariat to ensure the future implementation of the AIS Forum programs. This support was welcomed by the countries participating in the AIS Forum and UNDP.

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Media Contact

Nabilla Utami Dhiya Rahmani

AIS Forum Communication

Phone: +6282121782060 e-mail: nabilla.rahmani@undp.org