Three receive UN sustainable development awards

KUALA LUMPUR: PACOS Trust, Zero Waste Malaysia and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (pic) were honoured by the United Nations for their contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in conjunction with the world body's 72nd anniversary.

The UN award honours the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations that practise the three underlying principles of Agenda 2030, namely "leaving no one behind", "sustainability" and "participation".

The event was officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, and attended by United Nations Resident Coordinator in Malaysia Stefan Priesner at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

Non-governmental organisation PACOS Trust, based in Penampang, Sabah, was honoured for its work in engaging and empowering indigenous people to protect their identity, land, culture and tradition.

Patron Rosina @ Ongit Sogondu, 81, received the award on behalf of the NGO, which promoted the "Leaving No One Behind" principle by reaching those furthest behind, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

The second recipient is Zero Waste Malaysia, an organisation dedicated to advocating a zero-waste lifestyle in Malaysia.

Represented by founder Claire Sancelot, the organisation has taken significant measures to reduce their environmental footprint and incorporate sustainable practices in their business operations and practices.

Dr Denison, the third award recipient, was honoured for his contribution to the mobilisation of different stakeholders, particularly representatives of vulnerable groups, towards ensuring inclusion and participation in line with the 2030 Agenda.

He is currently the co-chair of the Malaysia Civil Society Organisations for Sustainable Development Goals (CSO-SDG) Alliance and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Institute of Ethnic Studies principal research fellow.