In the coming days my colleagues and I will be attending the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, also known as the Rio+20 Conference. It is an honor to be present at such an event and we look forward to sharing insights here on Rainforest Realities.

In anticipation of the days ahead, I’m reminded of this week’s Global Policy Address given by Indonesia President Yudhoyono at the headquarters of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). President Yudhoyono expressed his intent to ask other global leaders to renew their commitment to a green economy at Rio+20.

He invited “all citizens of the world, developed, emerging and developing nations, international and regional organizations, private sector actors, environmentalists, all stakeholders [to] take responsibility for the future of the human race and for Mother Earth,” reported the Jakarta Post.

In his speech, aptly named “Manifesto 2015: Sustainable Growth With Equity,” the President acknowledged that growth cannot come at the expense of natural resource depletion and exploitation. “Environmental sustainability is at the heart of all long-term development plans, both at the national and local levels,” the President said. This is true for most developing nations.

We at APP are intensely aware of this factor. As a pulp and paper company, we recognize that we must grow in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way, which is why we work so closely with the Government of Indonesia to elevate our best practices far beyond those of a developing nation. Just last week we announced our 2020 Sustainability Roadmap, which outlines our efforts to greatly enhance APP’s commitments to improving environmental performance, biodiversity conservation and protection of community rights.

Rio+20 is a perfect venue for this conversation, as it attracts thousands of participants from governments, the private sector, NGOs and other groups to discuss ways to improve our world, together. Countries and companies large and small are able to collaborate and share ideas on creating a more sustainable way of life for current and future generations.

But, the most important element to Rio+20 is what happens when the conference is over and we all return home. This is where the real work takes place – where inspiration leads to action and change. In my opinion, this is the best part.

Tags: APP, Asia Pulp & Paper, Asia Pulp and Paper, Indonesia, Rio +20, sustainability roadmap, sustainable forest management, Yudhoyono