Locations
Jakarta, 8 February 2025 - As Indonesia navigates an era of rapid urbanization and climate challenges, the role of communities become increasingly important as powerful drivers of change. Since 2021, UNDP Indonesia Accelerator Lab has worked together with local innovators to transform bold ideas into scalable solutions, bridging gap between grassroots insights and national policy. With the generous support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany, the Qatar Fund for Development, and UNDP’s core partners, the Lab has been at the forefront of pioneering sustainable urban development initiatives.
To celebrate this milestone, the Lab is launching “Grassroots to Greatness: Reimagining Community-Driven Innovations for Sustainable Urban Development” on 7-8 February 2025 at M Bloc Space, Jakarta. This event brings together policymakers, development partners, academia, civil society organizations (CSOs), and private sector stakeholders to celebrate achievements, share lessons, and explore pathways to scale grassroots innovations for lasting impact.
A Global Network Driving Local Solutions
As part of UNDP’s 89-lab global network, the Accelerator Lab has tackled key challenges in smart cities, community resilience, and climate action. By working closely with the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Ministry of Social Affairs, Nusantara National Capital Authority (OIKN), TKN PSL, other sub-national government agencies such as Bappeda DKI Jakarta, partners from universities, think tanks, and other UN entities, the Lab has integrated grassroots innovations into national policies.
"Today's event theme aligns with Jakarta’s vision to become a Top 20 Global City, driven by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Sustainable urban development goes beyond large-scale projects and policies—it thrives on creativity, resilience, and grassroots innovation. The Jakarta Provincial Government is fully committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, believing that sustainability and innovation must work together to ensure a city that is both liveable and globally competitive,” said Andhika Ajie, Head of Regional Research and Innovation Center, Sub-National Planning Agency of DKI Jakarta (Bappeda DKI Jakarta) in his opening remarks on behalf of the Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta.
A Platform for Reflection, Collaboration, and Amplifying Impact
Attended by more than 100 participants, the event began with a panel discussions and breakout sessions, where stakeholders from various sectors exchanged insights and strategies for advancing sustainable development. These discussions highlighted the importance of community-driven innovation and its role in shaping national policies.
On the second day, the event included a youth-focused session, inspiring the next generation of changemakers to explore meaningful ways to contribute to global development. Across the two-day event, an exhibition was featured to showcase the Lab's flagship projects, providing participants the chance to engage with both past and ongoing initiatives that are helping to shape Indonesia’s urban future. Through these activities, the event underscored the potential of grassroots innovations to scale through strategic partnerships, amplifying their impact beyond local communities.
“The theme of today’s event—"Grassroots to Greatness"—reminds us that solutions don’t always come from the top down. The most effective ideas often come from those who experience challenges firsthand. As we reflect on the Lab’s three-year journey, I encourage all of you to engage fully in today’s discussions, whether in the panel sessions or by exploring the exhibition. This is an opportunity to exchange insights, strengthen partnerships, and explore ways to scale up the impact of grassroots innovation for sustainable urban development,” said Oliver Hoppe, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Indonesia.
Scaling Innovation for the Future
In addressing Indonesia's urbanization and climate challenges, UNDP Indonesia has demonstrated that community-driven innovation is vital for a sustainable future. The Accelerator Lab has transformed local insights into scalable solutions, fostering cross-sector partnerships and empowering communities to create lasting change. This legacy continues to inspire a resilient, equitable Indonesia, where sustainable development thrives from the ground up.
“UNDP Indonesia Accelerator Lab celebrates its three-year anniversary with notable milestones, covering a diverse range of interventions, including smart city initiatives, community resilience, and climate actions. By combining digitalization and social innovation with local knowledge, the Lab has created tangible impacts at the community level and influenced bottom-up policy development,” said Sujala Pant, Deputy Resident Representative UNDP Indonesia.
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Media contact
Nabilla Rahmani, Head of Communications UNDP Indonesia
