UN Praises RI for Commitment to Sustainable Development

Nusa Dua, Bali (Antara) - UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Director Jeffrey D Sachs has praised Indonesia for its commitment to sustainable development by launching a network to implement the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) programs. "I appreciate the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for its commitment to implementing sustainable development at regional level," Sachs said at an international conference for sustainable development as a side event of APEC Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Sunday. The launch of UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network for Indonesia and Southeast Asia which comprises academics, non-governmental organizations and various sectors set an example for other countries to implement such program, he said. Sachs said the world needed sustainable development to maintain growth without destroying the environment. "Of course, we need energy fundamentals. That's why we need high level panel to ensure sustainable development," he said. He said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had expressed his commitment to building networks to promote sustainable development and thus, assistance from all countries was needed. "Today is new era in sustainable development and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon fully recommended the high level panel," he said. To connect Indonesia with intellectual and non-governmental organization networks worldwide, UN fully supported Indonesia's effort to set up a research center, along with other countries to promote sustainable development programs, he said. (*)