Jakarta Governor, Anies Baswedan was a speaker at Climate Heroes international forum that was held virtually by Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) and United States Embassy in Jakarta on Thursday (30/9). In the forum, Governor Anies started by explaining the phenomenon of large urbanization which makes most of the population live in cities.

Role of urban system and city leaders becomes very important

"Most of world's population lives in cities. It means, a lot of life depends on cities. It is projected that at least 60.4% of world's population will live in cities by 2030 and 68% by 2050 and in the future, city's role is important for our civilization," Anies said as quoted from Jakarta PPID Press Release.

Related to climate change, city also has a big role in aspects of populations life. For this reason, cities are responsible for reducing carbon emissions that are the cause of climate change in the world, thus earth can later be livable for the next generation.

"Role of urban system and city leaders becomes very important, especially when cities are challenged by major issues such as Covid-19 pandemic and climate change. Therefore, international community also pays significant attention to cities. In global agreements, such as Paris Agreement and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, city governments are recognized as important allies in pushing for greener, resilient, and sustainable future. Cities are also responsible for reducing global carbon emissions by taking action at local level," he said.

On this occasion, he also revealed that Jakarta would play its role in overcoming impacts of climate change. Moreover, Jakarta will host Urban20 in 2022 which will discuss the potential issues in post-Covid-19 era.

"Cities have a dynamic, ever-changing and evolving rhythm of life. In Jakarta's inauguration as the next host of Urban20 (U20), I highlight 6 (six) post-pandemic city phenomena that must be wary of. Namely, productive housing (affordable); future of industrial property; sustainable mobility and inclusive accessibility to mobility; scarcity of jobs and future jobs; limited social interaction; and attention to the increasing number of orphans due to death of their parents due to Covid-19. We have to pay attention to these problems and try to find the solution," he asserted.

This Climate Heroes Forum was also attended by H.E. Sung Yong Kim, United States Ambassador to Indonesia; Aniruddha (Ani) Dasgupta, President and CEO of World Resources Institute; Dino Patti Djalal, Founder of Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia; and several representative students from various universities in the world.