Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed his gratitude to the SBM ITB for the invitation and the prestigious award. SBM ITB honored Indonesia’s 6th President with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his commitment to advancing global efforts in environmental conservation and securing a sustainable future for humanity.
The award ceremony occurred as part of SBM ITB’s 21st Anniversary celebration at Amartha Village, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (5/2). The Avirama Nawasena Award, which included various distinguished recipients, was attended by academics, community leaders, and other notable figures.
“I am honored to receive this award,” said Yudhoyono.
He underscored the urgency of the climate crisis, emphasizing that the challenge has escalated beyond mere climate change into a serious global threat. According to Yudhoyono, addressing this crisis requires massive collaboration and extraordinary measures.
“Big push, not business as usual,” he stated. “We must unite, take action, and work together to save our planet.”
Yudhoyono also highlighted the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation in achieving sustainable development. He commended ITB as one of Indonesia’s leading centers of excellence, which has nurtured game-changers and innovators.
“ITB must continue to produce game changers, champions, and innovators,” he urged.
He further stressed the need for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“We want high economic growth, but it must not come at the expense of the environment or exacerbate social disparities,” he remarked.
He emphasized that development should bring justice and prosperity to all levels of society. Reflecting on his experience leading the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 13) in Bali in 2007, Yudhoyono noted that the event resulted in the Bali Roadmap, a milestone in global climate action.
“From the Bali Roadmap, we moved forward to achieve the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015,” he recalled. “At that time, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were on the verge of collapse. Many doubted their effectiveness, calling them a toothless tiger, as several targets remained unfulfilled.”
In response, then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon initiated the formulation of a successor to the MDGs, bringing together 27 global leaders. Yudhoyono was selected as one of the three principal figures leading the effort, alongside UK Prime Minister David Cameron (representing developed nations) and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (representing developing nations).
Together, they laid the foundation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through meetings in New York, London, Liberia, and Bali. The SDGs aim to improve global quality of life, eliminate extreme poverty, protect the environment, and promote peace, justice, and technological collaboration. Their finalization continued through UN multilateral forums in New York, Paris, and Geneva.
Concluding his speech, Yudhoyono called on all stakeholders to actively contribute to solutions rather than merely discussing problems.
“So, we must not just talk about global challenges but take action. ITB and SBM ITB are setting an example by doing something. The award recipients here today are proof that you, too, are making a difference,” he stated.
He expressed hope that the spirit of collaboration and innovation will continue to flourish, not only in Indonesia but globally, in pursuit of a better future for future generations.