USM PENANG, 27 November 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Penang initiative, took the lead in promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at an international seminar hosted by Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), Banda Aceh, Indonesia.   

This event, a collaboration between USM and USK, focused on empowering youth to take actionable steps toward achieving SDGs, emphasising key goals such as quality education, clean water and sanitation, and sustainable communities.

The seminar held in early November 2024, highlighted USM's commitment to championing SDG-related efforts, especially through youth-led initiatives.

Six USM students presented on SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), showcasing practical approaches for addressing these global challenges.

These presentations underscored the importance of integrating sustainable practices in education, community planning, and access to clean water to foster a resilient future.

The seminar featured four insightful keynote presentations, each addressing critical aspects of sustainable development and youth engagement.

One of the keynote speakers, Dr. Rohaya Abdullah from the USM School of Educational Studies, highlighted key initiatives under RCE Penang at USM, illustrating how these projects contribute to regional and global SDG efforts.

Her presentation showcased RCE Penang's commitment to fostering youth participation and promoting sustainable practices through hands-on community engagement.

In line with the seminar’s focus, the programme underscored the critical importance of SDGs in poverty alleviation (SDG 1), ending hunger (SDG 2), health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), access to clean water (SDG 6), sustainable communities (SDG 11), and global partnerships (SDG 17).

The USM delegation included six students and two staff members, including Dr. Rohaya Abdullah as the Project Coordinator, and a Research Officer from RCE Penang, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) at USM.

The seminar was also attended by the Rector of USK, Professor Dr. Ir. Marwan, and 100 USK students and faculty members, reinforcing the significance of cross-border collaboration in regional SDG efforts.

Through this joint effort, USM continues to play a pivotal role in advancing SDGs within the ASEAN region, championing the development of sustainable practices and partnerships that empower youth to take the lead in shaping a sustainable future.

Text & Photo: RCE Penang