Stepping up in style: Nik Nazmi (centre) and Sharmaine (third from right) with the junior champions from Indonesia. — Photo: GYS
THE young can be mobilised to effect change, and this starts with raising their awareness of pressing issues, involving them in devising solutions, and supporting them in turning their ideas into reality.
This was evident at the recent “Actions for Earth – Global Youth Summit (GYS) 2024”, held in Kuala Lumpur.
Themed around biodiversity, the three-day summit engaged youth participants from around the world in experiential learning, challenged them to pitch ideas for ensuring environmental sustainability, and culminated in six groups, aged 11 to 18, being awarded SGD$10,000 (RM33,097) in seed money and in-kind prizes for their innovative solutions to tackle climate problems in their communities.
The 23rd edition of the international event, hosted by EcoGarage Hub Sdn Bhd and Hemispheres Foundation, also equipped participants with the necessary tools to turn their ideas into actionable projects through mentorship and workshops in design thinking, project pitching and project management.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who officiated the closing ceremony of the summit at Stadium Merdeka on Oct 24, said the 130 mentored youths presented compelling showcases.
“Witnessing their showcases confirms our belief that with the right support for climate-related capacity building, we are on the right path to developing sustainable thinkers – the future leaders of our country who will shape the most fitting climate adaptation strategies to preserve the planet we live in,” he said.
EcoGarage Hub Sdn Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) Sharmaine XinHui Kaur said the mentorship fostered sustainable thinking and built the confidence needed to equip the youth for addressing local climate challenges.
“Youth environmental education is crucial for moving Malaysia on par with its sustainability agendas,” she said in a press release.
Hemispheres Foundation CEO Ann Phua noted the inspiring energy and passion that the young leaders brought to the table.
“Their innovative ideas reminded us that the fight against climate change requires fresh perspectives, and it is crucial that we give youth a platform to lead,” she said.
Among the key partners supporting the summit were Universiti Kuala Lumpur, PNB Merdeka Ventures, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, the Education Ministry, the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry Malaysia.
Their contributions were instrumental in providing sponsorship, mentorship and resources that empowered the youth to present their climate solutions, the press release read.
