Youth urged to promote sustainable development amid climate challenges

KUCHING: The youth have been urged to unite in promoting sustainable development as the world grapples with climate change, global warming, and the depletion of resources and habitats.

Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib stressed that sustainable development is not just a goal but a necessity to ensure that current and future generations inherit a world that is not only livable but also thriving.

“It is about balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and social inclusion. This balance is the cornerstone of our nation’s long-term prosperity and resilience.

“We cannot treat this merely as a requirement; we must embrace it as a spirit to heal the imbalances and injustices our world has faced,” she stated at the JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award Gala Dinner in Selangor on Sunday (Sept 22).

Hanifah noted that youth can take the lead in advocacy and education by promoting sustainability efforts in native languages to reach diverse communities, including those in rural areas.

“By utilising platforms like social media, they can create engaging content such as videos, blogs, or infographics to raise awareness about sustainable living.

“Organising community workshops, peer education programmes, and local events like beach clean-ups or tree-planting campaigns can further spread knowledge and inspire action,” she said.

In reaffirming the national commitment to sustainability, Hanifah noted that the recent Malaysia SDG Summit 2024, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim alongside the National SDG Centre, marks a significant step forward in the nation’s journey to become a regional leader in sustainable development.

“These initiatives not only align with the 12th Malaysia Plan but also call upon all of us, especially our youth, to actively engage in meaningful actions, whether through environmental conservation, sustainable entrepreneurship, or community awareness, to ensure the success of our shared goals.

Together, we can make a profound impact on our nation’s future,” she said.