ER
INDONESIANS are the most optimistic about the world’s future when it comes to sustainability, compared to 23 other polled nations according to Expo 2020 global survey.
The 2021 survey of more than 22,000 people across 24 countries tracked sentiment in a world irrevocably changed by COVID-19. Conducted in partnership with YouGov, it followed a similar study carried out in 2019, before the pandemic.
Findings show that 82% of Indonesians expressed optimism when asked about the health of the planet’s future, surpassing the global response that ranked at 53%. When asked about their experience in the past year and what is most important moving forward, meaningful involvement of all people with respect to environmental laws and policies (environmental justice) was ranked as the highest priority for 40% of Indonesian respondents (above a selection of another 10 options).
When asked about behaviors they are likely to change in the future, sustainability took the lead — ahead of other options such as improving technology in one’s home or living outside of an urban area. Forty-two per cent of those surveyed said that they would most likely reduce their use of less single-use plastics — compared to only a third of the global population.
Elsewhere, the survey also revealed that 93% of Indonesians agree that countries must work together to solve challenges such as the global COVID-19 pandemic. This was also apparent in the overarching global response where an overwhelming majority (86%) agreed that there is a strong need for nations to collaborate to solve global crises.
According to Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said Expo 2020 has developed this latest global study to help us understand how the citizens of the world believe we can shape a better future. Overall, the findings are encouraging, and show a collective desire to work together, broaden our horizons and exchange ideas.
“In less than two months, when Expo 2020 opens its doors, we look forward to welcoming millions of visitors from across the globe, and harnessing the kind of diversity this study reflects, as we join together to build a new world, with a brighter future for both people and the planet,” he said.
Echoing the same sentiment, 61% of Indonesian respondents believe that sharing knowledge, global innovations, insights and expertise are important to overcome some of humanity’s greatest challenges while half believe that greater knowledge sharing can bring individuals and communities closer together.
The survey delves into a range of subjects, also including health and wellness, sustainable travel, efficient food supply chains and the development of both urban and rural communities, all of which will be focuses of Expo 2020’s programming.
Under the mega-event’s Program for People and Planet, Expo 2020’s participating countries, organizations, partners and visitors will collaborate to discuss future-proofing solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.
One of the first global mega-events to take place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 will run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, inviting visitors from around the world to join the making of a new world, experiencing a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture. [ogilvy Indonesia/photo traveltext]
