The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA), supported by the KLCC Holdings Group, have joined forces once again to launch the second edition of Sustainable September. This month-long initiative, commencing on September 1st, 2024, aims to solidify the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Precinct’s position as a sustainable destination by promoting health, wellbeing, and environmental responsibility.
The theme for this year, “Healthy Planet, Healthy You,” highlights the crucial connection between our environment and personal health. The initiative strives to raise awareness about how our interactions with the environment directly impact our health and wellbeing, advocating for sustainable practices that contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
John Burke, General Manager of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, emphasized the significance of this initiative in his opening remarks: “Healthy Planet, Healthy You was chosen as this year’s theme because it demonstrates the vital relationship between our surroundings and our health and wellbeing. Our actions in the environment will ultimately impact us in the long run. An unhealthy lifestyle coupled with a poor attitude towards how we use plastics directly impacts our health and wellbeing.”
Sustainable September 2024 is a significant component of KLCCBEA’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability within the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Precinct. The collaboration between the Centre and its partners underscores the collective commitment to driving positive change within the community and setting a precedent for other cities to follow.
Datuk Md Shah bin Mahmood, Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the long-term vision for the KLCC Precinct: “Driving awareness towards sustainability is an ongoing effort and requires the dedication and commitment of various communities. We value the deep collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance. KLCC precinct hopes to establish itself as world-renowned SDG Hub for leisure and business. I encourage all of us to participate in the activities while making a positive impact on the communities and environment surrounding us.”
Sustainable September 2024 focuses on two primary goals: promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about the importance of recycling. These goals align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing (Goal 3), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12), Climate Action (Goal 13), Life Below Water (Goal 14), Life on Land (Goal 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17).
Sustainable September also serves as a platform to showcase ongoing sustainability efforts by the KLCCBEA partners. Through various activities, the initiative not only raises awareness but also allows participants to contribute positively to the communities within and surrounding the precinct.
One of the key elements of this year’s Sustainable September is its charity component, designed to uplift the lives of people living in Kuala Lumpur. The KLCCBEA and its partners are collaborating with URBANICE Malaysia, an organization dedicated to creating liveable cities, to develop a legacy framework that will extend the impact of Sustainable September beyond the month itself.
John Burke added, “Sustainable September also highlights ongoing sustainable efforts by the Alliance partners. Activities aimed at positively impacting the communities allow us to give back to the community surrounding the precinct.”
The leadership at KLCCBEA and KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd recognizes that sustainability is a continuous journey rather than a one-time effort. Datuk Md Shah emphasized this point in his concluding remarks: “Every step towards sustainability counts. What we launch at Sustainability September is an invitation for Malaysians to examine how we approach our planet and health. Sustainable efforts are not limited to a month’s effort but our micro habits and attitude towards our world and how we lead our lives. The collective commitment by KLCCBEA to Sustainable September is a testament to how significant impacts begin with small changes embraced by a larger community.”
Sustainable September is a call to action for individuals and organizations alike to take responsibility for their environmental impact and make sustainable living a priority. By participating in the activities and adopting more sustainable practices, everyone can contribute to a healthier planet and a healthier community.
As Sustainable September 2024 gets underway, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, KLCCBEA, and their partners are leading the charge in promoting sustainability and health in Kuala Lumpur. This initiative not only raises awareness but also actively engages the community in making meaningful changes that will benefit both people and the planet. With a focus on health, recycling, and community involvement, Sustainable September is set to leave a lasting impact, inspiring others to follow suit. As Kuala Lumpur continues to grow as a sustainable destination, the efforts made this month will help pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
