The inaugural Rainforest Youth Summit 2024 (RAYS2024) commenced today at the Hikmah Exchange Centre in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, under the theme “Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future.” The event, officially opened by YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, on behalf of the Premier, YAB Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, marks a groundbreaking effort to empower future leaders in rainforest conservation and climate adaptation. This transformative summit will run for three days, from June 26th to 28th, just ahead of the 27th Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 (RWMF 2024).
RAYS2024’s first day set an inspiring tone with a series of dynamic events led by today’s youth. Key activities included engaging talk sessions where young speakers shared their insights, ideas, and experiences in rainforest protection and environmental conservation. The Premier emphasized the summit’s significance, stating, “The Rainforest Youth Summit represents a pivotal moment in our commitment to involving youth in sustainability and conservation efforts. This event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on life on land and climate action. Young people are essential change agents, and we’ve witnessed numerous successful youth-led initiatives positively impacting the environment.”
The discussions highlighted the critical role of youth in driving sustainable change and offered valuable insights into collaborative efforts needed to protect our environment. Additionally, they stressed the importance of embracing and elevating the wisdom and perspectives of indigenous communities in rainforest conservation. The Premier added, “Through this summit, Sarawak leads a chorus of voices to foster a global network of young conservationists and develop actionable strategies for rainforest preservation. I urge all participants to actively engage in the summit’s activities and to carry the momentum forward into their communities.”
Sarawak’s dedication to sustainable development is evident in its initiative to involve youth in climate adaptation efforts. The Rainforest Youth Summit 2024 (RAYS2024) was specifically created to prioritize youth engagement, aiming to prepare future leaders for the crucial task of securing a sustainable future. This summit will serve as a platform for young individuals to present their creative advocacies and initiatives, ensuring their voices are amplified and their ideas empowered.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Hj Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The government is committed to empowering youth through knowledge development and encouraging their participation in policy formulation. We support youth-led climate policies and encourage international networking to foster global cooperation on environmental issues. Our initiatives reflect our dedication to biodiversity conservation and balancing economic growth with environmental needs.”
Chairman of the Sarawak Tourism Board, Dato Dennis Ngau added, “Building on the foundation of indigenous wisdom, RAYS2024 is fundamentally about giving a voice to this ancient wisdom and empowering the next generation to take the lead in shaping the dialogue and driving action for a sustainable future. Youth involvement is not only encouraged; it is central to the Summit’s mission. We believe in the power of young leaders to drive positive change. Their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless energy are crucial in addressing the environmental challenges we face today. This Summit provides a platform for youth to voice their ideas, share their experiences, and lead discussions, ensuring that their voices are heard and their initiatives are supported.”
Youth are pivotal in shaping the future, and RAYS2024 provides a global platform for them to unite and learn from the wisdom of indigenous communities on rainforest conservation. As future leaders, these young participants will use the summit to exchange views on global issues and brainstorm creative solutions. The summit features esteemed keynote speakers, including Rizal Hadi from Indonesia, Lara Ariffin from Malaysia, Irshad Mobarak from Malaysia, Hilda Nakabuye from Uganda, and Kera Sherwood from New Zealand, among many others. These speakers will address a wide range of topics, from gender perspectives and the art of conservation to climate activism and indigenous storytelling, all aligning with the theme of RAYS.
RAYS2024 welcomes 1,000 participants, with youth from 10 ASEAN countries representing over 40 ASEAN universities. This diverse gathering includes more than 30 renowned speakers from the ASEAN region, such as Fiji, Indonesia, and Laos, as well as globally, including representatives from Uganda, India, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Over the course of three days, participating youths can expect thought-provoking discussions, experience sharing, and opportunities to build networks with like-minded individuals. RAYS2024 marks the beginning of a journey for passionate youths to advocate for a sustainable future through creative and engaging initiatives.
