Sunway Uni unites thousands for Sustainable Development Goals

Innovation, inspiration, dedication, and entertainment converged at Sunway Uni as over 22,000 students, corporate leaders, NGOs, school children, special society groups, and influencers from across Malaysia gathered for a week-long festival.

Named “Campus With A Conscience – Local Action for Global Goals 2023,” this unique event aimed to promote the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a diverse range of activities and engagements.

First of its kind in Asia

The festival, in its second year and the first of its kind in Asia, featured a plethora of talks, performances, interactive workshops, corporate displays on sustainability by pioneering brands like Blueshark, Uniqlo, The Body Shop, and Aquaria, daily flag parades, on-stage demonstrations, a sustainable marketplace, and live musical performances. It commenced with an inclusive fashion show that showcased senior citizens from the Subang Jaya community and children with special needs, captivating the audience.

Distinguished guests, including international dignitaries such as HE Dr. Peter Blomeyer (German Ambassador to Malaysia), HE Ailsa Terry (UK High Commissioner to Malaysia), HE Mr. Sami Leino (Finnish Ambassador to Malaysia), and Ms. Karima El Korri (United Nations Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam), joined the festivities. Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, also graced the campus with his presence, commending the event’s success.

An e-waste collection initiative allowed staff and students to environmentally dispose of their unwanted electrical items, collecting over 35,000kg of electrical waste since its inception. Younger participants engaged in an interactive “Treasure Our Planet Trail,” gaining knowledge about the 17 SDGs to carry the message of influence and action into the future.

Members of Malaysia’s Special Olympics team also participated in the event, led by National Director Jacque Kok Lee Min. On-stage demonstrations included creative upcycling, hosted by Maslisa Zainuddin of Sunway University, and the debut of Malaysia’s first sustainable ambulance.

A unique Wishing Wall, featuring the wishes of 280 children from local orphanages and refugee homes, allowed the Sunway community to grant these wishes through Malaysia’s first-ever charity vending machine, generously sponsored by Advanced Food Technologies (AFT), ensuring that all 280 wishes were fulfilled.

Sunway Uni: Commitment to future sustainability

The week-long event, an immense success, showcased Malaysia’s dedication to sustainability. Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the Sunway Education Group, noted the event’s focus on long-term collaborations, raising awareness about planetary health, sustainable living practices, and addressing global challenges.

Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President of Sunway University, highlighted the avenue created for organisations, communities, charities, and global brands to promote sustainability initiatives and raise awareness and funds.

Representatives from exhibitors also shared their experiences and enthusiasm for the event’s impact on sustainability. Uniqlo, for instance, stressed the importance of extending the lifespan of garments, while The Lost Food Project appreciated the opportunity to engage with students about food wastage. Stand Pie Me and GOLD also expressed their gratitude and commitment to future sustainability events.

The Local Action for Global Goals 2023 event at Sunway University emphasised the imperative need for global collaboration to achieve the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It brought together diverse stakeholders, including world leaders, policy-makers, academics, and activists, to work collectively towards these global goals.

This unique festival stands as a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability, making a significant contribution towards achieving these global goals. As a showcase of innovation, inspiration, and dedication, it serves as a model for fostering change and inspiring action at a critical time in our shared pursuit of a sustainable future. Sunway University’s role in bringing together diverse groups in a united effort towards the SDGs reflects the power of collaboration in addressing global challenges.