AIS Startup Blue Business Summit Plenary Session and Business Expo
10-11 October 2023 Nusa Dua – Bali

The inaugural High-Level Meeting of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum in Bali, Indonesia, emerged as a pivotal platform for advancing discussions on Indonesia’s blue economy. With a diverse array of stakeholders in attendance, the forum facilitated strategic dialogues aimed at harnessing innovative financing models, including Blue Bonds, to fuel the growth of startups and SMEs within the sector. Central to these discussions was the presentation of the Blue Finance Accelerator (BFA) program by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), featuring speakers like Sambung Asa, who provided invaluable insights into the program’s benefits.

During this special event, Julius from Sambung Asa had the opportunity to share the benefits gained from participating in the BFA program, which included gaining knowledge about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), participating in IMM Workshops, networking opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with fellow alumni.

Overall, the AIS Forum not only highlighted the transformative potential of initiatives like the BFA but also emphasized the importance of diverse financing perspectives in driving sustainable development within the blue economy. By emphasizing the significance of Impact Measurement & Management (IMM), participants explored how these frameworks can contribute to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda. As the momentum from the AIS Forum continues to reverberate, it underscores a collective commitment to leveraging innovative financing mechanisms and collaborative efforts to steer Indonesia’s blue economy towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.