ABOUT 150 students and educators will take part in O-Earth 2026, a two-day ecological and intergenerational event featuring interactive workshops, dialogues, art and cultural performances.
Penang youth and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the initiative would bring together youths, educators, business leaders and community groups at One Garden, Shih Chung Branch School, in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah on Saturday and Sunday (Nov 14 and 15).
"It is meant to give young people a direct role in discussions about their future.
"They can express their concerns, contribute ideas and engage directly with leaders and practitioners from different sectors.
"They are not there just to listen. They are being invited to question, imagine and co-create.
"This is important because young people see the world differently. They understand emerging technologies, face new social and mental health challenges, and will live the longest with the consequences of the decisions we make today.
"We must create more spaces where adults do not just speak to young people, but genuinely listen to them," he said during a press conference at Komtar today.
The first day will feature speakers from various industries, including artificial intelligence (AI) and farming, as well as art and cultural performances involving children, youths and adults.
An evening programme featuring interactive art activities and booths will also be open to the public.
On the second day, participants will be divided into 10 groups for 'Experience Journeys' across Penang, exploring topics such as education, health, creativity, technology, resources and the environment.
Organised by TLJ Global and Asia Green Group, the event will also feature the launch of the Future Earthling Initiative, which aims to bring children and young people from different schools, cultures and backgrounds together to learn alongside adults and take part in real-world community experiences.
Organising chairman Mei Tan said the initiative was founded on the belief that young people should have a voice in shaping the future they would inherit.
"We are living with many of the challenges created by previous generations, and what we create today will shape the world inherited by the next generation.
"O-EARTH is about bringing different generations together, especially to listen to young people's voices and discuss what kind of future we want to create.
"We want to move beyond conversations and turn experiences and dialogue into ideas, action plans and real projects that we can co-create," said Tan, who is also Asia Green Group chief executive officer.
