Green city: The Ipoh Doughnut Economics Programme recently won the 2024 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award. – File photo
HEIs play a crucial role in creating a just and sustainable society
Recently, we joined the United Nations (UN) in commemorating Global Goals Week with our own “Local Action for Global Goals” initiative. The objective is to reaffirm our commitment and renew our resolve to mobilise urgent action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within our local community.
The world has been talking about sustainability and planetary health for a few years now, but while the need is urgent, progress has been slow.
According to the UN SDGs Report 2024, only 17% of the goals are on track, with nearly half showing minimal or moderate progress. What is alarming is that over a third of the targets have either stalled or regressed. Inequality is rising, biodiversity loss is accelerating, and the climate crisis is worsening as our planet continues to warm up.
The most recent Typhoon Yagi, which caused widespread devastation and deaths in several countries, particularly in northern Vietnam and Myanmar, is proof that as the world gets warmer, storms and typhoons are becoming stronger, and the weather more unpredictable.
In recent years, the concept of the Doughnut Economy, popularised by economist Kate Raworth, has gained traction as a framework for sustainable development. This model seeks to balance humanity’s needs with the planet’s ecological boundaries, envisioning a world where societal well-being coexists with environmental sustainability.
As Malaysia navigates its developmental trajectory, integrating the principles of the Doughnut Economy into higher education can play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future.
A framework for balance
A visual model resembling a doughnut, the inner circle of the Doughnut Economy represents the social foundation necessary for human well-being, such as health, education and equity. The outer ring marks the ecological ceiling, beyond which environmental degradation occurs, encompassing climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The space between these two circles is where a just and sustainable society can thrive.
In 2021, the Perak state government adopted the Doughnut Economics framework with the support of Sunway Centre for Planetary Health executive director Prof Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, along with experts from Sunway University and Institut Darul Ridzuan, in collaboration with the Ipoh City Council. The initiative was backed by Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah of Perak and other senior state leaders, who found the principles of the framework aligned with Perak’s overall vision.
For Malaysia to transition towards a Doughnut Economy, the country needs to prioritise planetary health, not only by protecting its natural resources but also fostering a culture of sustainability, particularly within its education system, from primary to tertiary levels.
Role of higher education
Higher education institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia have a unique opportunity to drive this transition, as they can serve as incubators for innovative ideas and practices that align with the Doughnut model.
Additionally, HEIs can integrate sustainability and planetary health into their curricula, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental issues.
Interdisciplinary programmes that combine economics, environmental science and social studies can foster a more holistic understanding of the Doughnut Economy.
Universities can lead the way in sustainability research by focusing on local environmental challenges. Through collaborations with government and industry, they can develop innovative solutions that support both social equity and ecological integrity.
The sharing of knowledge and best practices between institutions and organisations can result in innovative approaches tailored to the local context, enriching the country’s higher education landscape.
By adopting sustainable practices on campus – such as reducing waste, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing green spaces – HEIs can set an example and demonstrate their commitment to the Doughnut Economy and the UN SDGs.
Even more impactful would be if these institutions could encourage and educate their students and staff to adopt similar practices in their own lives, creating a ripple effect as they, in turn, educate others.
For better planetary health
As Malaysia faces the dual challenges of social inequity and environmental degradation, embracing the principles of the Doughnut Economy within higher education can pave the way for a more sustainable future.
By fostering a culture of sustainability, promoting innovative research, and engaging with communities, HEIs can not only contribute to planetary health but also empower the next generation to thrive within the ecological limits of our planet.
The Ipoh Doughnut Economics Programme recently won the 2024 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award. Ipoh is well on its way to becoming a “doughnut city”, with a focus on projects that boost health and well-being, sustainable waste management, and eco-tourism – a first for the country and for Asia, and hopefully not the last to adopt a Doughnut Economics-aligned city action plan. The journey towards a Doughnut Economy is complex, but concerted efforts from HEIs can lead the way in creating a just and sustainable society that respects both its people and the planet.
Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee is the chief executive officer at Sunway Education Group. A veteran in the field of private higher education, Prof Lee is also an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognised both locally and internationally for her contributions to the field of education. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
