JAKARTA, Oct 12 (NNN-ANTARA) – Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, said yesterday that, Indonesia is committed to preparing as much as five million U.S. dollars in financial assistance, to help fellow island states address climate change challenges and develop sustainable ocean management.
“The funding is expected to contribute to sustainable development. The funding is set to be spent for several concrete work projects, such as, scholarship grants for people from coastal communities, the development of the Blue Startup Hub, and training for the digitalisation of small- and medium-enterprises,” Widodo said in a press conference, at the 2023 Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum, held in Bali.
“Hopefully, the grant can also bring strategic benefits, related to marine carbon accounting and mangrove forest conservation. For Indonesia, the sea is not something that separates us; it is instead a unifier, the glue that connects us,” he added.
Widodo also called on island and archipelagic states, to maintain unity and collaboration amid global uncertainty, noting their collaboration and unity are needed to overcome challenges.
The AIS is a cooperation forum for island and archipelagic states worldwide. This year, its agenda focuses on strengthening collaboration, to address climate change issues, such as the management of plastic waste in the sea, and maritime management.– NNN-ANTARA
