Reported by:
Sr1ScB Yee Sue Wei
“Aim for the stars, because even if you fall, you’d fall on the moon.” This was the most impactful sentence I received in Malaysian Local Conference of Youth (MYLCOY), the two-day event organised by Malaysian Youth Delegation (MYD) over the weekend from the 4th to the 5th of November 2023. Held in the Faculty of Science at the University of Malaya (UM), more than thirteen fruitful seminars, panels, talks and interactive workshops were meticulously curated, giving rise to robust discussions on new perspectives and outlooks.
The motto for this year’s MYLCOY was “Inspiring Innovation, Transforming Tomorrow”. It best encapsulates the essence of the conference, where youths from all over Malaysia gather to learn and engage with climate activists, experts, and relevant stakeholders. Through building the capacity of the national youth climate movement, youth representation in climate negotiation on an international level would be accentuated.
Keynote Speeches
Keynote speech by EU Delegation to Malaysia kickstarted the event by updating the EU Green Deal, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU’s active commitment to climate financing. The question “Why do we not know what’s in our own backyard?” was posed by Peter Ong, a wildlife photographer from Roots and Shoots Malaysia to reveal the overlooked issue of under-researching on biodiversity in Malaysia. This pushed him to embark on “Project Monyet”, a mission to photograph all 26 species of primates in Malaysia. He stated that the effort to conserve biodiversity is a race against time, The problem is that “we cannot put a name/face to the things we are trying to save.” The lack of studies on species on the brink of extinction exacerbates loss of biodiversity, best exemplified that little action was taken when there was still enough time to save the Sumatran Rhino, now permanently extinct in Malaysia. Quoting Dr. Jane Goodall, “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved.” Peter Ong sent a clear message that research is crucial in the face of mass extinction.
Consolidating Local Climate Initiatives Through Organisations
On “What’s Next for Local Climate Organisations?”, it has been shown that each organisation has their own niche, YUFE is the place for social media advocacy and capacity building, MYD spotlights climate policies and dissemination of policy research, while Kelab Belia Prihatin mobilises on-the-ground grassroots projects such as cleaning up flooded neighbourhoods. Addressing the question of an audience, the best way for youths to set off on environmental advocacy is to join local youth-led organisations that are best compatible with your personal expertise and interests. Some other organisations that have been brought to limelight in this conference are Third World Network, Global Environment Centre, Coralku, and Sahabat Alam Malaysia.
Different Pathways, Common Aspirations
As shared in the “Youth Green Opportunities” seminar by Dr Ng Kay Tze from Global Environment Centre and Ayu Abdullah, their advice was to not be afraid of breaking the mould and do things differently. The various seminars featuring experts with different education backgrounds and of different professions exemplifies the notion that there is no one particular route to contribute to climate action. Because climate action is a multidisciplinary field, and requires inputs from different sectors to create a multifaceted solution, there is ground for each and every different skill set to shine.
For instance, participants were given a glimpse of the application of AI in diverse data management for environmental monitoring to create forecasting and prediction models at Accenture, and a promising green technology roadmap from labTECH in the “Utility of AI and Cloud in Addressing Environmental Challenges” session.
Shantini Guna Rajan, the National Policy Lead for WWF-Malaysia provided a refreshing perspective in climate action and showcased several nature-based solution projects. This includes conservation of mangrove forests, rehabilitation and restoration of coral plants, keeping forest intact, and implementing integrated land-use planning, which brings multifaceted benefits to economic activities, preservation of nature sinks, mitigation of climate disaster and alleviation of biodiversity loss.
To enhance climate literacy and inspire active involvement in climate initiatives, social media was put to use, as shared by Shaq Koyok who fused art and activism to amplify voices of underrepresented community and fight for indigenous land rights, and Natasha Zulaikha, the co-founder of Coralku and wildlife conservation advocate who strives to bridge the knowledge gap of people without background in environmental science.
Interactive Activities Ignites Meaningful Conversations
Aside from the information-dense seminars, the participants were also encouraged to put forth their opinions through Q&A sessions with each of the speakers, provoking constructive exchanges, and addressing the gaps of solutions. Circular Economy Workshop was a highlight for the second day, in which participants were divided into four groups and collaboratively delved into four global issues (Fast Fashion and Textile waste, E-Waste Management, Renewable Energy Transition, and Sustainable Agriculture). Given a sheet of mahjong paper, each group presented a three-minute analysis of the challenges and opportunities of respective issues. Circular Economy encompasses sustainable sourcing and keeping products in its value chain through reusing, and proper disposal via recycling. A successful local example was Klean, a reverse vending machine mechanism to incentivise users to recycle plastics in exchange for Grab Points and other rewards, led by Dato’ Nick Bowen. Other interactive sessions include the Youth Assembly which gathers participants’ thoughts and pledges, and quizzes hosted by Climate Fresk Malaysia on climate science in a Malaysian context.
Conclusion
The glorious collaboration of experts in their respective expertise, ranging from data science, mechanical engineer, artist, social media activist, policy researcher, ESG expert in banking, entrepreneur to educators has epitomised that each and every individual has the ability to transform their career into an impactful one. The two-day event was wrapped up with a joyous group photo, with each and every participant gaining so much that would act as a propeller in their future advocacy journey.
Group Photo