Denpasar, February 27, 2025 - United In Diversity (UID) Bali Campus hosted UID Talk: 5 Years to Go — a forum designed to bridge the gap between government policies and grassroots movements to realize SDGs that truly bring meaningful change to people’s lives. With only five years left until 2030, this rapidly approaching deadline calls for serious reflection: to what extent has our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) translated into real impact within communities? Amid ongoing global and local challenges, cross-sector dialogue is becoming increasingly essential.

The event featured several inspiring speakers, including I Gusti Ayu Laxmy (Head of the Social and Manpower Office of Denpasar City), I Nyoman Suma Artha (Founder & CEO of Pasar Rakyat Bali), Tantowi Yahya (President of United In Diversity Foundation), Setyo Budiantoro (SDGs Manager of the Economic Development Pillar at BAPPENAS RI), and Nimas Mega Purnamasari (Director of UID Bali Campus & Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center). In a warm and reflective discussion, Setyo Budiantoro emphasized that the SDGs have been integrated into the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJM). Although progress has been made, real challenges still hinder the achievement of targets. “Policies are important, but actions are more important,” he asserted, reminding that cross-sector collaboration is essential to drive meaningful change.

Voices from the grassroots further reinforced the urgency of community involvement. I Nyoman Suma Artha stressed that the SDGs must directly impact people’s lives. “If the SDGs do not elevate human dignity, are we truly making progress?” he asked. He called for reflection and public participation in every decision-making process. Meanwhile, from the local government perspective, I Gusti Ayu Laxmy underlined the importance of integrating the SDGs into local governance. She emphasized that social welfare efforts cannot be done unilaterally but require awareness and cooperation from all parties, especially local leaders.

UID Talk is not only a discussion forum but also a space to build connections, bridge gaps, and mobilize action. With cross-sector participation, this event strengthens the collective commitment that the SDGs are not just about numbers but about people and our shared future. “The SDGs deadline is drawing closer, but change is still possible. The question now is: Will we move fast enough?” This is the spirit echoed by UID Bali.