The lives and livelihoods of millions of people, especially the poor and vulnerable, are already affected by climate change, and progress in sustainable development is being undermined. A rapid transition to low carbon and resilient development is required, but this transition must be just and affordable. At the same time, COVID-19 is a major global health, economic and social crisis; but countries do not have the time or financing to deal with the COVID-19 crisis and climate crises separately. The scale of the challenge will require greater global cooperation and international support to developing countries like Indonesia in terms of financing, technology, and know-how.

To discuss these issues, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Indonesian Ministry of Finance have joined forces to organize an international conference on climate change, with the theme of “A Just and Affordable Transition toward Net Zero”.

The conference will discuss the challenges and opportunities of pursuing a green, inclusive, and resilient recovery from COVID-19 and provide a platform to discuss international good practices that can help ADB developing members pursue a just and affordable transition to a low carbon and resilient economy. It will also be an opportunity for Indonesia to showcase some of its current initiatives on climate change, and for ADB to discuss its role as a key partner in delivering climate action in Indonesia and the region.

The conference will be a one-day virtual event scheduled on Thursday, 22 July, with attendees from government (from Indonesia and other countries), the private sector, development partners, civil society organizations, think tanks, and academia.