The PEMSEA Network of Local Governments for Sustainable Coastal Development (PNLG) Annual Forum 2025 was held in Jakarta Province, Indonesia from September 16 to 18, 2025.

Themed "Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy: Linking Climate, Nature and Energy", the 2025 PNLG Annual Forum brought together around 200 participants, including delegates of PNLG members, representatives of international organizations, as well as leading experts and scholars in the marine field, coming from nine countries – Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam. Delegates gathered in Jakarta to exchange insights and best practices in marine development from across the region.

Coinciding with PNLG's 20th anniversary, this year's Forum featured the PNLG General Assembly, PNLG-PNLC Joint Learning Forum, and field trips. Through these activities, the Forum provides a platform for PNLG members to share knowledge and exchange experience, contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and promoting sustainable coastal development in the East Asian Seas region.  

The opening ceremony took place on the morning of September 16, with remarks from Hon. Mr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister of Environment of Indonesia; Hon. Mr. Pramono Anung, Governor of Jakarta Province; and Ms. Aimee Gonzales, Executive Director of the PEMSEA Resource Facility.

Mr. Lin Huaiyuan, Executive Deputy Secretary-General of the PNLG Secretariat and Level II Bureau Rank Official of Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Ocean Development, attended the ceremony and witnessed the launch of the State of the Coast of Jakarta.

The PNLG-PNLC Joint Learning Forum took place on September 16. Representatives from both networks shared practical experiences on strengthening the science-policy-action interface. Among them, representatives from Fangchenggang, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, shared innovative experiences in the ecological construction of seawalls; representatives from the Dongying Huanhai Institute of Marine Conservation and Development introduced the “Fishery-Photovoltaic Synergy” Model that integrates aquaculture with solar energy.

The PNLG General Assembly opened on the afternoon of September 17. Dr. Ma. Lucille Nava, Governor of Guimaras Province, Philippines, was formally endorsed and sworn in as PNLG President. Central Java Province, Indonesia, was inducted as the newest PNLG member, expanding the network to 55 regular and 5 associate members. The Assembly also recognized the Jakarta Provincial Government for its leadership in hosting the 2025 PNLG Forum and advancing the Network’s coastal resilience initiatives. Lastly, delegates witnessed the official handover of the PNLG flag to Busan City, Republic of Korea, which will host the 2026 PNLG Forum. Agenda items included the review and approval of the 2026 PNLG Work Plan, strategies to enhance delivery of the Strategic Action Plan, and a presentation on the dual economic and ecological benefits of PEMSEA’s blue carbon program.

The participants also conducted field visits to the Port of Tanjung Priok and the Thousand Islands to understand Jakarta's successful practices in port management and sustainable island development.

Initiated by PEMSEA, PNLG was established in 2006. Over the years, it has grown rapidly from 18 founding members to 60 members spanning 10 countries in the East Asian Seas region, playing a key role in marine and coastal governance.

The coastal city of Xiamen in East China's Fujian province became a demonstration site for Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) in 1994. Since then, Xiamen has been exploring the practice of Integrated Coastal Management. With its continuous efforts, Xiamen has developed successful practices in ICM, which is known as Xiamen Model, presenting an example for China and even the East Asian Seas region, and becoming the permanent home of the PNLG Secretariat.

In 2019, the Xiamen Municipal Government was awarded the PEMSEA Leadership Award. In 2024, it received the Achievement Award for Best Practice in Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration.