Young Indonesian Achievers Honoured with SDGs Innovation Acceleration Award
Jakarta, 10 August 2023 – In the era of globalisation that is full of challenges, innovation is the key to achieving sustainable development. The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) together with the Indonesia Global Compact Network (IGCN), Unika Atma Jaya and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan held the Sustainable Development Goal Innovation Acceleration Award for Young Professionals in Jakarta.
Rector of Unika Atma Jaya Agustinus Prasetyantoko in his speech expressed his support for this programme.
"Unika Atma Jaya strongly supports the breakthrough of this programme and is committed to encouraging sustainable development on campus. As an educational institution, we believe in the importance of forming a young generation that cares about sustainability," Mr Agustinus said in an official statement, Wednesday (2/8).
He said, Unika Atma Jaya Jakarta witnessed the young generation of Indonesia being recognised for their dedication and innovation in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some of the company's innovators have introduced prominent innovations, such as initiatives to provide electricity in remote areas using solar technology, encouraging energy transition based on a circular economy, improving the local economy through sustainable agriculture, empowering communities with biomass energy, providing clean energy, reducing food waste, improving the quality of education, sustainable waste management, and encouraging the utilisation of renewable energy in upstream communities.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said that Indonesia has great potential in tourism and the creative economy. Through innovations produced by the younger generation, it can ensure that these industries grow in a sustainable way.
"I hope there will be further collaboration with the Innovator Team to realise Indonesia's vision as a sustainable tourism destination," he said.
IGCN Executive Director Josephine Satyono said the programme not only aims to connect sustainability with global economic challenges, but also to ensure that the 3T or Disadvantaged, Frontier and Outermost regions are not left behind in this global innovation movement.
With the cooperation of various parties, youth working in companies to innovate and accelerate sustainable development goals can be motivated. This includes ensuring interconnection with 3T areas.
"This programme can be a catalyst to enhance the skills and talents of creativity in problem solving, as well as the application of business acumen to the development of new products and services," said Josephine.
He said he was proud that the creativity of the innovator team had an impact that referred to today's challenges, namely climate change, education, disability, biodiversity, and aspects of financial inclusion. This is in line with IGCN's mission with the UN Global Compact in encouraging innovation through youth to achieve sustainable business models.
"Our commitment to this initiative comes not only from the implementation team, but also from the highest levels of the supporting companies," explained Josephine.
UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia Valerie Julliand expressed her appreciation for the challenges brought by the innovators.
"We at the UN highly value the issues and challenges that teams of innovators bring to the table through their innovative solutions. UN always supports any form of innovation that aims to support the achievement of the SDGs," Valerie said.
Deputy for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources National Coordinator of SDGs at the Ministry of National Development Planning/BAPPENAS Vivi Yulaswati emphasised that companies have an important role in driving innovation.
"We see that companies can play a more active role in providing opportunities for their young employees to innovate. With full support from the company, these innovations can be implemented and have a positive impact on society," added Vivi.
