By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Sept 3: A unique feature of this year’s Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0) was the youth pavilion.
Calling it a significant first for the forum, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Datu Jafri Lias said the pavilion was specially curated to showcase youth-led initiatives and to encourage networking among young change-makers.
Urging all 250 participants, including university students and young professionals, to make full use of the pavilion, Jafri added that it served as a space for young people to share ideas, expand knowledge, and engage with peers, experts, and sustainability leaders.
Believing in today’s youths as those who will drive impactful projects and innovative solutions to climate change and sustainability challenges, he reminded everyone that sustainability is not a small matter.
“It requires action, planning, and commitment, and it needs all of us, especially the youth, to contribute.
“Climate change is a rising reality, and here in Sarawak, we have long been conscious of the challenges. Since the 1980s, our leaders made the bold decision to prioritise renewable hydropower.
“Today, about 60 per cent of our generation capacity comes from hydropower, supported by thermal resources like gas and coal to ensure reliability,” Jafri said in his opening remarks at the launch at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Youths are the catalysts for change because of their energy, generosity, and bold ideas, and he strongly believes this is what Sarawak needs to tackle climate change, a challenge that demands creativity, resilience, and the courage not to back down.
Since it is critical for authorities to nurture the youth’s mindset towards sustainability, providing platforms for them to voice their concerns over climate issues is one of the ways forward.
“One such platform is the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS), which gathers young people across Asia to exchange ideas and build action plans for a sustainable future,” Jafri said.
The one-day programme featured several interactive talks, cultural workshops, and panel discussions.
One of the highlights at the SAREF 4.0 youth pavilion was the special appearance of two-time Olympic medallist and Malaysian national diver, Dato Pandalela Rinong. — DayakDaily
