Nik Nazmi: Empowering youth key to Malaysia's climate action and sustainable development

KUALA LUMPUR: Youth must be empowered to become Malaysia's driving force in climate action and sustainable development, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.He added that the youth group represents the country's greatest asset in combating climate change."Malaysia has no shortage of talented youth.

"However, what we must ensure is that they are seen, supported, and empowered."Nik Nazmi said this in his keynote address, which was read by the ministry's Environment Management Division undersecretary Dr Pubadi Govindasamy, at the JCI Inspire Fest 2025 here today."Malaysia has no shortage of talented youth.



But what we must ensure is that they are seen, supported, and empowered," he said.Nik Nazmi added that the upcoming launch of the Sustainable Business Challenge for Youth, an initiative under the i-Green Warriors banner would encourage young people to share innovative ideas."This initiative will invite youth to pitch ideas that merge green principles with entrepreneurial thinking, a critical skillset for building Malaysia's climate-resilient economy.

"This is what we mean when we talk about climate leadership in action."He praised the Inspire Fest for going beyond awareness campaigns by offering meaningful platforms such as ESG showcases, youth-led dialogues, and the i-Green Warriors initiative."This event is not about banners and booths but it is about hope, voice, and agency," he said.

Nik Nazmi reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating enabling environments for sustainable development and transitioning to a low-carbon future.However, he stressed that future progress hinges on collaboration with the younger generation."The next leap will come from our youth and from our ability to listen, collaborate, and act together," he said.

He urged young leaders to continue being vocal and innovative in championing environmental causes."Keep planting, keep innovating, keep speaking out. Our environment needs warriors.

And our future needs you."Let us move forward, not just with ambition, but with action. "Not just with goals, but with growth.

Together, we can build a greener, more inclusive Malaysia, one rooted in climate justice, equity, and impact."© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.