Sunway University hosts vibrant festival for SDGs

Innovation, inspiration, and global collaboration took center stage at Sunway University during the Local Action for Global Goals 2024 festival.

The three-day event, held from 23-25 September, attracted over 25,000 participants, including corporate leaders, non-governmental organisations, influencers, schoolchildren, and special society groups, all gathered to support the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As part of the university’s Campus With A Conscience initiative, the event commemorated the 9th anniversary of the UN’s SDGs, showcasing Sunway University’s ongoing dedication to sustainability and its role in fostering meaningful change.

Corporate leaders and global influence converge

Sunway University’s festival brought together a diverse range of participants, including regional heads from UNICEF, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations, and ambassadors from over 12 nations.

The event featured daily flag parades, performances, workshops, and a sustainable marketplace, with corporate displays from brands like HP, Decathlon, Uniqlo, Blueshark, and more.

One of the event’s highlights was a sustainable fashion show by Sunway College, in collaboration with Stylo Fashion Design Technology Hub, which celebrated eco-friendly fashion.

“This event is a testament to the power of collective action,” said Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Education.

“By coming together, we are not only raising awareness of pressing global issues but also fostering a culture of sustainability within our community.

It is about inspiring real change and ensuring that our efforts today will lead to a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.”

Sunway Uni: Immersive experiences and unique initiatives

One of the standout features of the festival was the Garden of Hope, an initiative in partnership with UNICEF Malaysia and BloomThis.

The Garden encouraged the community to purchase and plant flower seeds, with all proceeds benefiting underprivileged children through UNICEF Malaysia.

Advanced Food Technologies sponsored a vending machine for seed sales, adding an innovative touch to the initiative.

The event also marked the launch of the EU Pavilion, a collaboration between Sunway University and the European Union.

The pavilion offered an immersive Experiential Room, where visitors explored the EU’s history while envisioning a sustainable future.

In a significant eco-friendly push, the festival facilitated e-waste collection on campus. Since the initiative began, over 37,000 kg of electrical waste has been collected, reflecting the university’s dedication to environmental responsibility.

Schoolchildren participated in an interactive Be A SDG Scout trail, learning about the 17 SDGs as they explored the campus.

The trail aimed to instill sustainable values in younger generations, ensuring that the legacy of environmental action continues.

A celebration of unity and sustainability at Sunway Uni

Local Action for Global Goals 2024 offered more than just education on sustainability; it became a platform for active engagement and partnership.

Representatives from participating companies praised the festival for its impact.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for companies like Pos Malaysia to engage meaningfully with students from both universities and schools,” said a spokesperson from Pos Malaysia.

“The event provided a unique platform for dialogue and interaction, allowing us to share our vision for a sustainable future.”

Kintry, another participating company, added, “Our experience at the event has been excellent. It was inspiring to see students and staff embracing the Zero Plastic Hour campaign to eliminate single-use plastics.”

As the festival concluded, Sunway University reaffirmed its commitment to leading the way in sustainable education and action.

The collaboration with global organisations and brands solidified its role in Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030.