IN the heart of Kuching, Sarawak, amidst the lush landscapes that define its natural beauty, the inaugural Rainforest Youth Summit 2024 (RAYS2024) got underway at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre.
This groundbreaking event, themed "Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future", opened its doors under the auspices of state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, on behalf of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
Scheduled days before the recently-concluded, renowned Rainforest World Music Festival 2024, the mission behind RAYS2024 was to galvanise young minds towards environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
The summit's first day unfolded with a spirited series of events designed to set the stage for collaborative action. Youth voices rang out in engaging talks led by dynamic speakers, reflecting on their journeys and insights into rainforest conservation and environmental activism.
As Karim emphasised: "The Rainforest Youth Summit marks a significant milestone, emphasising our commitment to involving youth in sustainability efforts aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to life on land and climate action."
AGENTS OF CHANGE
Central to the discussions was the role of youth as catalysts for change, echoing the sentiment shared by Abang Johari, who said: "Young people are critical agents of change. We've seen numerous successful youth-led initiatives making a positive impact on the environment."
The summit not only highlighted the urgency of youth engagement, but also underscored the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into conservation strategies.
Furthermore, Sarawak Tourism Board chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau elaborated: "Building on the foundation of indigenous wisdom, RAYS2024 is fundamentally about giving a voice to this ancient wisdom and empowering the next generation to lead discussions and drive action for a sustainable future."
The summit served as a pivotal platform for youths to articulate their visions, exchange global perspectives and formulate actionable strategies. Continuing, Ngau said: "Their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and boundless energy are crucial in addressing the environmental challenges we face today."
More than 1,000 participants from 10 Asean countries and beyond, representing over 40 universities, converged on the event, reflecting its global ambition.
Renowned keynote speakers hailed from diverse backgrounds that included Rizal Hadi from Indonesia, Lara Ariffin and Irshad Mobarak from Malaysia, Hilda Nakabuye from Uganda and Kera Sherwood from New Zealand.
They collectively enriched the discourse with insights that ranged from gender perspectives to indigenous storytelling and climate activism.
POWER OF YOUTH
Eyes earnest under his glasses, Karim expressed the state government's commitment when he said: "We support youth-led climate policies and advocate for international cooperation on environmental issues." This commitment underscores Sarawak's dedication to balancing economic development with biodiversity conservation.
Throughout the summit, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, shared their experiences, and forged networks aimed at driving sustainable change. As the summit progressed, one thing became clear — that this was more than just an event on the calendar. It's a catalyst for youth-driven initiatives that will shape the future of environmental conservation worldwide.
In the verdant backdrop of Sarawak's rainforests, RAYS2024 had emerged not just as a gathering of minds, but as a testament to the power of youth in safeguarding our planet's future.
As Abang Johari aptly — and solemnly — concluded: "This summit marks the beginning of a global movement where youths take centre stage in fostering a sustainable world."