Jakarta, July 16th, 2019 –  Indonesia on Tuesday signed a financing agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support cooperation between archipelagic and  island States under The Archipelagic and Island States Forum (AIS)

Under the agreement, Indonesia - the world’s largest archipelagic nation and an emerging economic powerhouse  - contributed USD 1 million to support AIS Forum. Launched in 2018, the AIS Forum  Its the main objective is to support the creation of new development solutions and innovative financing mechanisms to help AIS Forum members on climate action and sustainable oceans.  The AIS Forum provides a platform for governments and private sector, civil society, and academia to exchange experience and work together.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Luhut Pandjaitan and Foreign Minister Retno Mursadi witnessed the signing by Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa and UNDP Resident Representative, Christophe Bahuet.

“The funding will strengthen various climate change projects on ocean protections and support actions in seeking and creating innovative financial solutions for the island states, particularly the small and vulnerable ones, and to boost sustainable use of ocean resources,” said Mr. Pandjaitan whose Ministry spearheaded the establishment of the AIS Forum.

With rising sea levels due to global warming, archipelagic and island states - particularly the smaller ones - are among the most vulnerable to climate change effects.

“There are island countries whose population ranges from 10 thousand to 200 thousand, and we want to contribute to minimise the impact of climate change; for example by enhancing our ongoing human capital training programs, ," added Mr. Pandjaitan.

“The AIS Forum offer space for cooperation and exchanges between archipelagic and island States that are vulnerable to climate change and very committed to take actions to protect the environment and the oceans on which they largely depend. It is a new type of initiative as it focuses on innovation and testing of new solutions, and seeks to test new financing mechanism. As an organization that supports Indonesia in both its domestic development and its international cooperation, UNDP is grateful to receive this Government contribution and honoured to partner with Indonesia in support of the AIS Forum  ” said Mr. Christophe Bahuet.

Media contacts
Ministry of Maritime Affairs Sovereignty, Media Team. Lenita Sulthani
UNDP Indonesia, Abdul Situmorang,
UNDP Indonesia Communication Specialist, Tomi Soetjipto: suryo.tomi@undp.org