Jakarta Provincial Government successfully held International Mayors Forum (IMF) 2024 since July 2, 2024. This international forum produced various interesting discussions to generate enthusiasm and new initiatives in achieving the sustainable development agenda.

for sustainable development amidst rapid urbanization

Acting Jakarta Governor, Heru Budi Hartono delivered his appreciation to the participants who have contributed to panel discussions, as well as playing an active role in the entire series of IMF 2024 activities. Many experiences and best practices from various cities have been shared as lessons for building cities during the  implementation.

"The entire discussion agenda for these three days has been summarized in a Joint Statement, the draft of which has been submitted to me. The main aspects that we have agreed on and outlined in this Joint Statement should not end as mere discourse," Heru said, as quoted from Jakarta Provincial Government's press release, Thursday (7/4).

Heru added the Joint Statement document will be a text that summarizes various thoughts, achievements and challenges as a source of inspiration in presenting new initiatives. This is run to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the localization of SDGs.

In IMF 2024 with the theme "Accelerating Action at the Local Level to Achieve the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals", Acting Governor Heru emphasized the important role of urban and rural authorities in global sustainable development.

"We affirm our commitment to the 2030 transformation agenda for sustainable development amidst rapid urbanization, economic limitations, rising inequality, increasing environmental challenges, and the increasing frequency and magnitude of natural disasters," he continued.

Heru also expressed his gratitude for the trust given to Jakarta to host the 2024 IMF. On this occasion, Jakarta also handed over the mandate to Toyota City to host the 2025 IMF.

"Congratulations to the Mayor of Toyota City, Mr. Toshihiko Ota and Chairman of the Toyota City Council, Mr. Toshiaki Haneda. We convey our best wishes to Toyota City so that IMF 2025 can be held successfully, and have a significant impact on sustainable development efforts in urban areas," Heru added.

Meanwhile, Toyota City Mayor, Toshihiko Ota appreciated Jakarta as the 2024 IMF host.

" Jakarta has organized this year's IMF very well. We as the next organizers hope to provide the best too. For this reason, we ask for help from everyone so that we can make the IMF a success next year," he said.

Toshihiko Ota added, even though they have different backgrounds and cultures, every city that participates in the IMF has the same hopes and desires, namely to build a bright future for the next generation.

IMF 2024 through the Jakarta Declaration has resulted in a commitment to encourage a resilient, adaptive and inclusive urban environment amidst climate change, to build a prosperous local economy, and ensure that no one is left behind.

All parties pledged to identify and address key factors or investment pathways for the Six SDG Transitions, namely (1) food systems, (2) energy access and affordability, (3) digital connectivity (including artificial intelligence), (4) education, (5) jobs and social protection, (6) climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

This joint commitment will be realized by each participating city through improving horizontal and vertical multilevel governance, local innovation, integrated policies and financing, digital transformation, economic inclusiveness, environmental practices, synergistic approaches and community involvement.

To support this commitment, there are actions that will be taken, namely building multi-stakeholder partnerships, creating data-based governance, and mapping social gaps to ensure fair and integrated development.