The first ASEAN Circular
Economy Forum (ACEF)
04 - APRIL - 2024
HABIBIE AINUN LIBRARY, JAKARTA
ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF)
Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals: Aligning ASEAN Strategies
The ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF) convened on April 4th, 2024, at the esteemed Habibie & Ainun Library, Jakarta, Indonesia, marking a significant milestone in the region's commitment to advancing sustainability agendas. Under the theme "Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals: Aligning ASEAN Strategies," the forum provided a vibrant platform for stakeholders across sectors to converge and strategize on bolstering Circular Economy Resilience in ASEAN nations. This comprehensive analysis delves into the rich tapestry of discussions, key insights, and transformative visions shared during the ACEF, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and inclusive future for ASEAN countries.
The roundtable was conducted in a hybrid format, with 5 speakers participating in person and 3 speakers joining virtually through Zoom. Among the attendees were Jeffrey Bahar, COO of YAMADA Consulting & Spire; Aloysius Wiratmo, Program Development & External Engagement Manager of the Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD); Shaifubahrim Saleh, President of the Malaysian Service Providers Confederation; Florian Miß, Project Director of Consumer Protection in ASEAN II at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ); Jack Sim, Founder of the World Toilet Organization; and Resham Ganglani, CEO of Certus Software Asia Pacific. Additionally, the ASEAN Economic Forum was represented by Sachin V. Gopalan as Chairman
As the forum commenced, Jeffrey Bahar, COO of YAMADA Consulting & Spire, set the tone with a stirring call to action. "The time for action is now," he declared, his voice reverberating with urgency. "We must unite our efforts to navigate the complex challenges facing ASEAN's transition to a circular economy."
Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and strategic collaboration. He highlights the need to increase awareness among stakeholders and prioritize key players in driving circular economy initiatives. He states, "The first step needs to increase the awareness... identify who are the key stakeholders that need to be prioritized to be the first mover and the enablers." This strategic approach underscores the significance of targeted engagement to catalyze sustainable action.
He also emphasizes the importance of industry collaboration and public-private partnerships in advancing circular economy strategies. He acknowledges the diverse perspectives represented in the dialogue, stating, "We are representing the voices of the commercial, and private sectors as well as doing a little bit of projects for the public policies." This inclusive approach underscores the value of cross-sectoral collaboration in fostering innovative solutions and driving sustainable development goals.
Throughout the dialogue, the speakers also stressed the significance of engaging all stakeholders in meaningful discussions to foster actionable solutions that can positively impact the environment and society. They underscore the role of technology and innovation in driving the transition towards circular economy practices, emphasizing the need for scalable initiatives that leverage technological advancements to transform waste into valuable resources. By infusing intelligence into existing products and extending their lifespan through innovative approaches, the speakers advocate for a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.
The sentiment was echoed by Aloysius Wiratmo, Program Development & External Engagement Manager of the Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD), who emphasized the transformative potential of technology in driving circular economy solutions. "Technology innovation holds the key to unlocking sustainable growth in ASEAN," he remarked.
The adoption of circular economy practices in Indonesia and the broader ASEAN region, emphasizes the need to learn from global best practices and leverage technology and innovation to drive sustainable development. Aloysius highlights the relatively low adoption of circular economy initiatives in ASEAN countries like Indonesia compared to more advanced economies in Europe.
He emphasizes the role of technology, policy support, and international collaboration in scaling up circular economy projects and addressing environmental challenges effectively. Within this, the challenges on the ground has become obvious, including the need for more scaled-up projects and initiatives related to circular economy practices.
Amidst the sea of voices, Shinta Kamdani, a passionate advocate for sustainable development goals, shared personal insights into her journey towards environmental stewardship. Reflecting on her experiences, she remarked, "My early exposure to the environment through water activities shaped my environmental consciousness," highlighting the profound impact of experiential learning in fostering a sense of stewardship.
Shinta's work in Indonesia, a country rich in natural resources, underscores the importance of leveraging these resources sustainably. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues and social well-being, stating, "When we look at marine conservation... it really brings a completely different view of how the world is." This holistic perspective underscores the importance of addressing environmental challenges in tandem with social and economic considerations.
The roundtable discussions delved into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in ASEAN's transition to a circular economy. Florian Miß, Project Director of Consumer Protection in ASEAN II at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), emphasized the need for coherent policies that incentivize circularity. "Policy coherence is essential for creating an enabling environment that promotes circular economy initiatives," he asserted
He references examples from countries like France, where government institutions are mandated to incorporate renewed or refurbished technology in their procurement processes. Florian states, "In France, for example, they have a digital roadmap... every government institution has to buy anything new, 20% of it has to be renewed or refurbished." This highlights the potential for policy interventions to drive sustainable consumption patterns and resource optimization.
It is also stressed by Aloysius that, "Strengthening consumer demand for circularity products through policy support is essential to drive the adoption of sustainable practices and ensure the availability of environmentally friendly products." This quote encapsulates his belief in the pivotal role of consumers in shaping sustainable consumption patterns and driving the transition towards a circular economy in the region
Consumer awareness and behavior change emerged as central themes in the dialogue, with participants underscoring the need for educational initiatives and awareness campaigns to promote sustainable consumption patterns. The conversation touches upon the cultural and human aspects of transitioning to a circular economy, acknowledging the challenges associated with changing mindsets and behaviors.
The speakers emphasize the importance of instilling values and fostering a culture of sustainability to drive meaningful change in how individuals interact with resources and the environment. They highlight the role of education, awareness, and change management in promoting sustainable practices and overcoming resistance to change, particularly in the context of cultural norms and societal expectations.
Resham Ganglani, CEO of Certus Software Asia Pacific, emphasized the importance of consumer empowerment, stating, "Empowering consumers with information and alternatives is key to driving demand for circular products and services."
Jack Sim, Founder of the World Toilet Organization, articulates, "If we change the way we recognize people, the behavior will change." This quote underscores his belief in the power of social recognition and peer influence in shaping consumer behavior towards more sustainable practices. By reframing societal values to appreciate individuals who prioritize environmental stewardship and equity, Jack advocates for a cultural shift that can drive meaningful change toward a circular economy.
As the discussions progressed, participants also highlighted the imperative of fostering collaboration and partnerships across sectors. Shaifubahrim Saleh, President of the Malaysian Service Providers Confederation, emphasized the need for industry-led initiatives to drive sustainable development goals. "Collaboration among industry stakeholders is crucial for advancing circular economy strategies in ASEAN," he remarked.
He highlights the imperative of collaboration among industry, government, and various stakeholders to effectively champion circular economy endeavors. He advocates for strategic investments in research and development, stating, "Incentivizing investment in R&D is crucial for advancing circular economy initiatives and fostering innovation that contributes to economic growth and environmental sustainability." This underscores his commitment to promoting innovation as a catalyst for sustainable progress in the ASEAN region.
Florian also underscores the importance of collaboration and ecosystem-wide engagement in advancing circular economy strategies. He emphasizes the need to involve diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society, in promoting sustainable practices. Florian states, "It's all a matter of bringing the whole ecosystem together, making it available to the industry... making the guys who manufacture new things be part of the process of taking care of the older things." This holistic approach underscores the interconnected nature of environmental challenges and the need for collective action to address them effectively.
Throughout the forum, participants echoed a shared vision of redefining success beyond material wealth and consumption. Sachin V. Gopalan, Chairman of the ASEAN Economic Forum, encapsulated this sentiment, stating, "True prosperity lies in harmony with nature and community. ASEAN must embrace a holistic approach to development that prioritizes environmental stewardship and social well-being."
In conclusion, the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF) 2024 served as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and action towards building a more resilient and inclusive future for ASEAN countries. With stakeholders united in their commitment to driving sustainable development goals, ASEAN is poised to lead the transition to a circular economy, forging a path towards a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. As the sun set on Jakarta, the echoes of the forum lingered in the air, a testament to the power of collective action in shaping the destiny of nations.
