OVER 200 youngsters from local and international schools and universities are currently attending the Youth Climate Summit -SEA (Southeast Asia) 2024 at the UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College.
The summit aims to raise awareness of the climate crisis among young people and encourage them to share innovative ideas for addressing the issue.
Running from 9am to 5pm daily until Oct 18, this five-day programme is overseen by Penang Green Council (PGC) as the main organiser.
UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College vice-chancellor Prof Dr Chong Beng Keo highlighted that the summit offers students the opportunity to connect with experts and collaborate on solutions to combat climate change.
“As future leaders and architects that will shape the future, students will have the chance to engage with experts and work together to create impactful and innovative solutions for climate challenges we face.
“Following the event, we look forward to seeing participants step out and collaborate with communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions.
“The summit serves as a platform to nurture a generation that not only understands the climate change crisis but is also equipped with the resources, tools, and determination to tackle it,” Chong said.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu highlighted that humankind must give back to Mother Nature what it has taken.
“We have exploited too much, and now it is time for us to give back to ensure a better future for the next generation.
“Every sector, from government to businesses, and from rural areas to urban centres, needs to actively engage in mitigating climate risks.
“As we reflect on our shared responsibility to protect natural resources, I urge each one of us to ask these questions.
“What kind of world do we want to leave for future generations?
“Will we allow the impacts of climate change to continue unchecked, or will we stand together in the fight for a sustainable and resilient future?
“I look forward to seeing the innovations and ideas generated from this summit and the positive impact they will have, not just on Penang, but on the entire region,” Sundarajoo added.
The theme of Youth Climate Summit 2024 is ‘Empowering Action for Nature’.
Meanwhile, PGC general manager Josephine Tan shared that youngsters aged 15 to 25 from Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China and Malaysia are attending the summit.
Tan, who is the chairman of the Youth Climate Summit 2024, urged young people to become game changers.
“Before I conclude, I want to share some advice my mother used to give me whenever I felt angry, frustrated, anxious, or scared: ‘Do not dwell on your emotions, get busy and find a solution!’
“Get to work and change what needs to be changed.
“That is why we are here today. Everyone in this hall is important, and we all have a role to play in inspiring action,” Tan said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian