Denpasar, 28 August— The Bridging Industry and University for Sustainable Future (BINUS) Indo-Pacific Forum (IPF) is part of BINUS University’s continuous pursuit of fostering society’s empowerment in building the nation.

For two days, from August 28 to 29, 2024, The Stones Hotel hosted an event that brought together over 600 brightest minds from academia, industry, government, and civil society. This significant gathering underscored our commitment to unlocking the most innovative ideas, focusing on addressing society’s most pressing issues, such as sustainability, technology, and social development.

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

Therefore, launching the Kuta Pledge for a Sustainable Future is a crucial and urgent step in inviting multi-stakeholder collaboration to advance sustainability practices. The points contained in the pledge are not just ideals but immediate priorities: prioritizing sustainable development in all aspects of life, equality and inclusivity for all, promoting the circular economy through digital transformation, strengthening the young generation as agents of change, and multi-stakeholder collaboration oriented towards sustainable development.

“It is an honor for BINUS University to host an event that presents stakeholders from the government, industry, and academic community. The implementation of this activity is in line with BINUS’s vision to be achieved, which is to become a world-class institution that contributes to developing society and building itself through applicable innovation,” said Dr. Nelly, S.Kom., M.M., CSCA as the Rector of BINUS University.

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

“The Kuta Pledge for Sustainable Future carried out by BINUS IPF reflects our vision in fostering and empowering the community. In an era where environmental and sustainability issues are increasingly urgent, the role of higher education, including BINUS University, is becoming more relevant in facilitating dialogue and concrete action. Therefore, multi-sector collaboration is an important value to present real solutions,” adds Stephen Wahyudi Santoso, the President of BINUS Higher Education & Professional Service.

The forum included discussion sessions, workshops, and presentations from sustainability experts and practitioners in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Qatar, promoting dialogue, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives.

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

An important highlight of this forum was the presence of nine BINUS Youth Ambassadors from ASEAN member countries, namely Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Viet Nam, and Thailand. They had the opportunity to discuss together in designing initiatives that focus on the theme of SDGs that will involve more young people in the global sustainability movement.

During the forum, the ambassadors had the opportunity to exchange ideas and interact with subject experts. They aimed to create relevant solutions for their respective countries. For example, Noreen Hocson, who represents the Philippines, emphasized the importance of locally sourced products by suggesting a food caravan. The initiative highlighted how the community can benefit from various products within their region, particularly in supporting farmers who face challenges due to insufficient demand and decreasing prices of their commodities. Another amazing potential is stressed by Tew Jia Yu from Malaysia, who proposed the potential of algae-based plastic to reduce decomposition!

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

“Youth are undeniably the next generation who will ensure that this initiative can be implemented following the problems that exist in society. Therefore, his presence at the BINUS-Indo Pacific Forum will also support the joint commitment,” as mentioned by Prof. Dr. Tirta Nugraha Mursitama, Ph.D. as the Deputy Minister for Investment Cooperation, Ministry of Investment/Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, Republic of Indonesia.

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

Thank you to all of our partners, including the Ministry of Investment/Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, AppliedHE, Microsoft, Code Without Barriers, Bisnis Indonesia, Katadata Indonesia, and Data Indonesia, for making this event successful!