Jakarta. As efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gain momentum, the green economy’s potential and environmentally sustainable job opportunities present significant prospects. Many young people are eager to contribute to this future, but their enthusiasm is often not matched by adequate understanding and skills related to the SDGs.

Michael Susanto, Head of Leadership Development & Scholarship at Tanoto Foundation, highlighted this challenge during the 2024 SDGs Annual Conference (SAC 2024) in Jakarta. The event, themed "Innovation Towards a Golden Indonesia: The Link Between Quality Education, Employment, and Green Industries," was opened by Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin on Monday, Oct. 7.

Susanto emphasized that the SDG Academy Indonesia (SDG AI), a learning platform developed through collaboration between the Tanoto Foundation, the National Development Planning Ministry (Bappenas), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is committed to enhancing the capacity of the younger generation in SDG-related fields, particularly in education.

“Many graduates question whether what they’ve learned is relevant to their future careers. While green jobs are often seen as niche, numerous professions are linked to the green economy,” said Susanto.

However, despite this potential, many young graduates lack the necessary skills. “Only 1 in 8 people possess the competencies needed to support the green economy. Among those already employed, 60 percent want to transition into sustainability roles but feel held back by insufficient skills, limiting their career growth,” he added.

In response, the Tanoto Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, partnered with Bappenas and UNDP to establish SDG AI. This initiative aims to develop future leaders with strong integrity and a deep commitment to accelerating the achievement of the SDGs in Indonesia.

The SDG AI program targets all SDG stakeholders, including the government, academia, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, civil society, and the media. During SAC 2024, Susanto urged a focus on SDG Priority 11: creating sustainable cities and communities.

“There are numerous challenges in this sector that could be addressed through SDG approaches and green economy solutions,” said Susanto, citing issues such as only 56 percent of residents having access to public transportation and 90 percent of household waste remaining improperly managed.

Susanto also explained that sustainable education is being developed across various universities to instill SDG principles in graduates, not only through green buildings or renewable energy projects but also by incorporating SDG perspectives into academic curriculums and fieldwork experiences.

An example is the Tanoto Foundation's collaboration with UNESCO, which since 2023 has facilitated 400 students to study societal challenges and conduct research to devise solutions.

SAC 2024 serves to bring together stakeholders engaged in achieving Indonesia’s SDGs and disseminate SDG achievements to ensure inclusive and accountable development. The event features festivals, conferences, and exhibitions, including the SDGs Festival: Fun Bike & Fun Run, SDGs for Women and Children, and seminars on funding implementation.

For further information, contact: Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tanotofoundation.org

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