Sarawak councils explore global best practices in sustainability, child-friendly governance through Unicef training programme

Wee (fifth left), alongside other Sarawakian council leaders, including Tan Kai (third left), Ting (fourth left), and Minos (fifth right), join international representatives at the 2nd Regional Meeting on Child-Friendly Cities in East Asia and Pacific in China.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 25: In a significant step toward enhancing sustainability practices and environmental education, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng recently led a Sarawak delegation to Ji’nan City, Shandong Province, China, as part of a United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) training programme.

Accompanied by Clarence Ting Ing Horh, Chairman of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Tan Kai, Chairman of Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), and Dato Peter Minos, Chairman of Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), the visit was aimed at fostering global collaboration and learning from international best practices in sustainability and child-friendly governance.

“During the visit, the delegation toured the Ji’nan Shizhong District Quanze Primary School, a government-owned institution actively participating in a Unicef initiative.

“The school’s students demonstrated remarkable independence and commitment by volunteering in various climate action programmes, including recycling, solar energy projects, and creating environmental awareness within their community,” said a press release.

Wee emphasised the importance of such exchanges, stating, “This visit provides us with valuable insights into integrating sustainability education at the grassroots level.

“We are inspired by the proactive efforts of the students and their community in addressing environmental issues.

“MBKS is committed to incorporating these into our local initiatives to build a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community in Kuching South.”

The study tour, which focused on global child-friendly governance models, also included discussions on Unicef’s Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), a programme designed to make urban areas safer and more inclusive for children.

He Yanling, a representative from China, advocated for family-oriented governance, stressing the importance of child welfare in public policy.

She emphasised the critical role of children’s rights in shaping inclusive policies that benefit the entire community.

The training also showcased the Best Business Practice: Inclusive Playground Toolkit, an initiative that promotes the design of play spaces accessible to all children, including those with disabilities.

One of the highlights of the training was Finland’s child-friendly governance model, particularly the approach used in the City of Vantaa.

Vantaa’s governance integrates children’s needs into urban planning, guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

As Sarawak’s councils explore new ways to integrate sustainability and child-friendly policies, this training provided valuable examples of how international best practices can be adapted to local governance. — DayakDaily