Rainforest Youth Summit 2026 returns to Kuching with renewed climate urgency

KUCHING (Feb 25): The Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2026 has returned for its third edition, bringing a renewed sense of urgency and a commitment to empower the next generation in the fight for a sustainable planet.

During the launch at the Borneo Cultures Museum Auditorium, State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the summit’s growing regional importance as a hub for youth-led climate leadership.

“RAYS reflects renewed urgency. Climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequalities are not distant concerns, they are present realities.

“Coastal communities face rising tides, indigenous communities seek safeguards for ancestral forests and urban youth navigate complex environmental and economic transitions.

“RAYS acknowledges this complexity and responds to it with connection,” he said.

Abdul Karim also announced the RAYS Asean Access Fund, a financial support mechanism to ensure participation is not limited by economic circumstances.

“We recognise that across our region, talent, passion and leadership potential are not merely shaped by economic opportunity. There are young people with powerful ideas and strong commitment who may hesitate to step forward simply because of travel costs or other barriers.

“If the programme is not truly regional, we cannot allow geography or financial circumstance to determine whose voice is heard,” he said.

Funded and organised by the Sarawak government and endorsed by Asean, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and UN Tourism, RAYS 2026 will host over 700 youth participants from all 11 Asean countries from June 24 to 26.

Under the theme “Youth: Many Ways, One Planet”, the summit will also launch its Fellowship Programme, a 12-month leadership initiative bringing 10–15 young leaders into real decision-making and governance processes.

Also present at the launch were State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts deputy minister Datuk Sebastian Ting and Datuk Snowdan Lawan; State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development deputy ministers Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu (Youth and Sport Development) and Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat (Entrepreneur Development); and Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Dr Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor.

For more information and to register, go to website www.rainforestyouthsummit.com.