A better tomorrow together: Prof Lee (10th from left) posing with visitors to the campus during the ‘Local Action for Global Goals’ flag parade.
Innovation, inspiration and dedication brought together corporate leaders, non-governmental organisations, influencers, schoolchildren, special society groups, and over 25,000 students to mark the ninth anniversary of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Sunway University.
As part of the varsity’s ongoing “Campus with a Conscience” initiative, the three-day “Local Action for Global Goals 2024” festival, which emphasised global collaboration to achieve the SDGs by 2030, was held from Sept 23 to 25 in support of the 17 SDGs launched in 2015.
The festival, which saw over 37,000kg of ewaste collected from the varsity’s staff and students, also featured flag parades, performances, workshops, a sustainable fashion show and a marketplace.
Proceeds from the sale of flower seeds during the festival were donated to Unicef Malaysia, benefiting local underprivileged children.
There was also a European Union (EU) Pavilion showcasing sustainable and innovative initiatives.
Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who visited the campus, enjoyed a live musical performance by members of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
Other festival visitors included regional heads from Unicef, the UN, the World Health Organization, EU members, and ambassadors from over 12 nations.
Young participants from schools across the country were also invited to join an interactive trail where they learnt about new SDG facts.
The festival, said Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee, was a testament to the power of collective action.
“By coming together, we are not only raising awareness of pressing global issues but also fostering a culture of sustainability within our community.
“It is about inspiring real change and ensuring that our efforts today will lead to a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come,” she said in a press release.
