FOR the first time, Penang will play host to the Youth Climate Summit, a global initiative empowered by Wild Center, at the UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College in Jalan Anson from Oct 14 to 18 this year.
Located in New York, Wild Center is a natural history centre that primarily focuses on climate science, impacts, justice, and solutions needed to effectively address the climate change crisis.
In collaboration with Penang Green Council (PGC) and PowerSains, Wild Center is extending its reach to Southeast Asia and views Penang as a suitable venue for this programme due to the state’s drive for environmental awareness and commitment to addressing climate change issues.
PGC general manager Josephine Tan said the five-day summit, designed to convene, engage, connect, and empower young people from the age of 15 to 25, will expect some 3,000 participants from various parts of Southeast Asia, and as far as from America and Nigeria.
“Our objectives for this summit are clear and ambitious.
“Firstly, we aim to increase awareness about the impact of climate change and the critical role that youth play in addressing environmental challenges.
“Secondly, we strive to provide a platform for education on sustainable practices and climate science, empowering young people to take action in their communities.
“And finally, we seek to foster collaboration among youth organisations, community leaders, and environmental experts to develop effective climate solutions,” Tan said in her speech during the programme’s media conference in Komtar on May 17.
She explained that throughout the summit, participants would gain the knowledge and skills needed to become effective climate leaders. They would also have the opportunity to develop climate action plans that they could implement in their schools and communities.
Tan highlighted that during the summit, various critical topics in addressing climate change would be explored, including climate action and education, food security, indigenous rights, tourism and heritage, and water security.
Tan noted that through the plenary sessions, parallel track sessions, exhibitions, project pitching, and a few more activities, participants would have the chance to engage with experienced panellists, speakers, and organisations working on the frontlines of climate action.
The summit is supported by a list of well-renowned entities, including Think City, the state Education Department, Entopia, The Habitat Penang, Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), Universiti Sains Malaysia, WorldFish, Tropical Spice Garden and others.
Registration for the summit, which started on May 13, will end on Sept 15. A fee of RM100 will be imposed for each registration, with sponsorship available for those in need.
Meanwhile, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said that a global initiative like the Youth Climate Summit has gained recognition from the White House, and choosing Penang as its next destination, is a proud moment for all Penangites to celebrate.
“Climate change awareness is at the heart of this movement.
“Our youth must understand the science, impacts, and urgency of this crisis.
“One of the most powerful tools to bring awareness is through education, whether in educational institutes or within our communities.
“Hence, we must equip our youth with the knowledge and skills they need to become informed advocates for the planet.
“They must understand that climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a social justice issue, an economic issue, and a moral imperative,” he said during his speech.
Also present during the media conference were Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed and the Wild Center climate initiatives director Jen Krester, who joined the conference virtually from New York.
For more information about the summit, please visit https://howei.com/rsvp_event/youthclimatesummit2024.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud