Heaptlak, Jakarta —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.
According to the findings, 82% of Indonesians expressed optimism about the future health of the planet, outperforming the global response of 53%. When asked about their experiences in the previous year and what is most important for the future, meaningful participation of all people in environmental laws and policies (environmental justice) was ranked as the highest priority by 40% of Indonesian respondents (above a selection of another 10 options).
When asked what behaviors they are likely to change in the future, sustainability came out on top, ahead of other options such as improving home technology or living outside of a city. 42% of those polled said they would most likely use fewer single-use plastics, compared to only one-third of the global population.
In addition, the survey found that 93% of Indonesians believe that countries must work together to solve problems like the global COVID-19 pandemic. This was also evident in the overall global response, where an overwhelming majority (86%) agreed that nations must work together to solve global crises.
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.”
Similarly, 61% of Indonesian respondents believe that sharing knowledge, global innovations, insights, and expertise are critical to overcoming some of humanity’s most difficult 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 Programme 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.
