Indonesia will welcome leaders of dozens of island nations next Wednesday for the first summit of the Archipelagic and Island State Forum to discuss challenges in protecting marine environments.

The forum was established in 2018 under Indonesia's initiative and has more than 50 countries as members.

Ministers from member countries have met each year. And the summit next week in Bali will address how to deal with rising sea levels, marine plastic waste and other issues.

The meeting is also expected to uphold the idea of "Blue Economies," or balancing preservation of the sea and economic activities.

The Indonesian government says delegates from over 25 countries, including Japan and the UK, are scheduled to join the summit. Heads of state will attend from Papua New Guinea, Madagascar and other five countries.

Ahead of the summit, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said that his country recognizes the importance of links between the ocean and climate change. He added, "Indonesia believes that, with international support, countries on archipelagos and small island nations can be part of the solution."

Jakarta hopes the summit will encourage emerging economies known as the Global South to strengthen their partnership.

The meeting comes as the US, China and other global powers are increasing their presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Last week, US President Joe Biden welcomed leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum back to Washington for the second meeting of its kind.