LocationsBlue Economy Ideation Workshop for Local Entrepreneurs and Innovators
Unlocking Innovative Solutions for Blue Economy Development in Timor-Leste
April 30, 2024
Timorese youth participate in the Blue Economy Ideation Workshop.
Carolina Silva/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Dili, 30 April 2024 - UNDP Timor-Leste, together with the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste, hosted a groundbreaking Blue Economy Ideation Workshop, on April 30th at City8’s Elizabeth Room, aimed at stimulating innovative solutions for sustainable ocean economic development in Timor-Leste.
The event brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders to explore and develop innovative ideas to harness the potential of Timor-Leste's blue economy. With the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge on the horizon (organized by UNDP Indonesia Country Office with financial support from the Government of Japan and accepting applications from April 1st to May 31st of 2024), this workshop sought to prepare local stakeholders to effectively participate in this regional initiative while promoting local sustainable practices, fostering connections and innovative thinking on Blue Economy.
The Blue Economy Ideation Workshop received over 700 applications, demonstrating the significant interest in the blue economy, particularly among young people. It was a one-of-a-kind opportunity to tap into the creative minds of 50 local entrepreneurs and innovators chosen to participate and collaborate on addressing pressing challenges affecting Timor-Leste's marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
"The Government of Timor-Leste acknowledges the potential of the blue economy for the country's sustainable development." underlined Adeline Carrier, UNDP Timor-Leste's Deputy Resident Representative. "In this context, UNDP is committed to supporting the blue economy growth in Timor-Leste, and we believe that Timorese youth are one of the most important groups for this concept to live up to its full potential. I am pleased that today's workshop brings together a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, thinkers, innovators, and future leaders who share a passion for the sea and its immense potential."
The event was attended by a wide range of participants, including youth and women entrepreneurs, tourism associations and diving operators, youth groups and students from several Timor-Leste high schools and universities, conservationists, and even attendees from Atauro Island. During the workshop, participants took part in talks, brainstorming sessions, and presentations aimed at identifying new solutions to pressing concerns such as climate change, marine plastic pollution, sustainable fisheries, and sustainable tourism. The event also included expert talks, panel discussions, and interactive group activities that allowed participants to share, question, and validate their ideas with one another, while also encouraging creativity and collaboration.
Opening remarks by "H.E. Kimura Tetsuya, the Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste
Carolina Silva/ UNDP Timor-Leste
The Blue Economy Ideation Workshop received over 700 applications, demonstrating the significant interest in the blue economy, particularly among young people. It was a one-of-a-kind opportunity to tap into the creative minds of 50 local entrepreneurs and innovators chosen to participate and collaborate on addressing pressing challenges affecting Timor-Leste's marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
"The Government of Timor-Leste acknowledges the potential of the blue economy for the country's sustainable development." underlined Adeline Carrier, UNDP Timor-Leste's Deputy Resident Representative. "In this context, UNDP is committed to supporting the blue economy growth in Timor-Leste, and we believe that Timorese youth are one of the most important groups for this concept to live up to its full potential. I am pleased that today's workshop brings together a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, thinkers, innovators, and future leaders who share a passion for the sea and its immense potential."
“Timor-Leste has a great potential for fishery, fishery-related industry and eco-tourism. Addressing climate change is our common task to improve our livelihoods in the future. We should achieve two goals: economic development and environmental protection, at the same time. We should preserve the amazing nature of Timor-Leste while making the best use of its resources” said H.E. Kimura Tetsuya, the Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste.
The workshop supported the creation of innovative ideas and promoted collaboration among stakeholders from diverse sectors. It also opened new doors for those looking for opportunities within the sphere of blue economy in ASEAN and beyond. Simultaneously, it emphasized young people's interest in exploring the maritime landscape as a sustainable economic development resource in Timor-Leste, which UNDP intends to continue to foster by providing platforms and opportunities for them to express their enthusiasm and further nurture their ideas.
By empowering local entrepreneurs and innovators within the landscape of opportunities presented by the blue economy, the event aimed to catalyze positive change, accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and drive inclusive and sustainable growth in Timor-Leste.
UN House, Caicoli, Díli, Timor-Leste | www.tl.undp.org
For more information, please visit
https://www.undp.org/indonesia/asean-blue-innovation-challenge
Media contacts
For more information or to request an interview, contact:
carolina.silva@undp.org or maria.lopes@undp.org
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.
Learn more at tl.undp.org or follow at @UNDPTL.
UN House, Caicoli, Díli, Timor-Leste | www.tl.undp.org
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