Sunway University recently hosted the Local Action for Global Goals 2024 festival, bringing together corporate leaders, NGOs, influencers, school children, and over 25,000 students to support the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The three-day event, held from September 23-25, marked the 9th anniversary of the UN’s SDGs.
As part of the Campus With A Conscience initiative, the festival featured daily flag parades, performances, workshops, and a sustainable marketplace. Highlights included corporate displays from brands like HP, Decathlon, Uniqlo, and The Body Shop, as well as a sustainable fashion show organized by Sunway College and Stylo.
The event attracted regional leaders from UNICEF, the United Nations, and the World Health Organization, alongside ambassadors from more than 12 countries. The occasion received royal endorsement from Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, who attended and enjoyed a live performance by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
A key feature of the festival was an e-waste collection, allowing participants to responsibly dispose of unwanted electrical items. Since the initiative began, over 37,000 kg of e-waste has been collected.
Schoolchildren participated in an interactive “Be A SDG Scout” trail, learning about the 17 SDGs while exploring the campus. Additionally, the Garden of Hope initiative encouraged community members to purchase flower seeds from a vending machine, with proceeds benefiting underprivileged children in Malaysia through UNICEF.
The festival also showcased the EU Pavilion, highlighting various EU-led initiatives in Malaysia. One notable feature was the “Experiential Room,” which offered visitors an immersive experience of the EU’s history and its vision for a sustainable future.
Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education, stated, “This event is a testament to the power of collective action. By coming together, we raise awareness of pressing global issues and foster a culture of sustainability within our community.”
Exhibitors echoed the event’s success, with representatives from the European Union and Pos Malaysia emphasizing the importance of dialogue and collaboration on sustainability.
Local Action for Global Goals 2024 underscored the need for global cooperation to achieve the SDGs by 2030, showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to these vital initiatives.
