Asia Society Forum to Explore ‘Innovative and Climate Smart Cities’ in Jakarta, May 31-June 2

SAN FRANCISCO, March 22, 2016—As urban areas in Asia continue to grow at astounding rates, it is critical to ensure they remain vibrant centers of economic and social development. How can cities in the Asia-Pacific become hubs for innovation and sustainability? Urban experts from across the world will convene in Jakarta, Indonesia for the fourth annual Pacific Cities Sustainability Initiative (PSCI) forum, May 31-June 2, to consider this and other questions.

Approximately 150 representatives from the private sector, public health, government, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and academia will share climate smart solutions and technologies in areas such as urban planning, transportation, resource management, and information and communications technology. The forum, themed “Building Innovative and Climate Smart Cities,” is presented by Asia Society, the University of Indonesia Research Center on Climate Change (RCCC), and the USC Marshall School of Business.

Jakarta, the forum’s host city, embodies many of the difficulties and potential solutions urban areas experience today. One of the fastest growing Southeast Asian cities, Jakarta faces enormous pressures from overcrowding and pollution. From strains on its transportation infrastructure to challenges in water resources management, preserving the essence of the best of urban living—as well as its history and culture—is critically important to ensuring that Jakarta remains a livable city. The PCSI forum was previously held in Hong Kong, Manila, and Beijing.

Governor of Jakarta Basuki Tjahaja Purnama will deliver the opening address to the forum at the Balai Kota, Jakarta’s City Hall. Other speakers include Ridwan Kamil, Mayor of Bandung City, Sean C. S. Chiao, President of Asia Pacific at AECOM, and Jatna Supriatna, Chairman of the University of Indonesia RCCC.

The PCSI forum is an invitation-only event. For general inquiries about the forum and to request an invitation, please contact pcsi@asiasociety.org. Media interested in learning more about the forum or requesting interviews with participants should contact pr@asiasociety.org.

About the Pacific Cities Sustainability Initiative (PCSI)

Established in 2009 Asia Society’s Pacific Cities Sustainability Initiative (PCSI) is a collaborative dialogue that aims to foster long-term sharing of urban sustainability strategies across the Asia-Pacific region. Cities in the Asia Pacific face a number of daunting and conflicting challenges: to cut energy use, reduce environmental degradation, and develop effective, public-private strategies for climate change adaptation, while building thriving, livable cities that enhance both long-term economic development and quality of life for their residents. PCSI focuses on best practices and innovative solutions for addressing these challenges.