KUALA LUMPUR: The voices of the youth on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives are crucial for achieving a sustainable future, ensuring safety, and maintaining a healthy planet for future generations.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Prof Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain said that early exposure, such as at higher education institutions, should be provided to this group so they can apply this experience in their future careers.
"Although ESG is widely practised by industry partners, it must also be appreciated and internalised by the younger generation.
"That is why we want to ensure that the voices of the youth are always heard in matters of environmental sustainability, where ESG is also an important initiative.
"These young people, after completing their studies, will work in the industry, so it is better if they can gain ESG exposure and experience while still on campus.
"This is an early exposure because when they enter the workforce with industry players, they already have a clear mindset, which can ultimately provide more meaningful contributions to both the industry and the country," he said during the "Ruang Bicara" programme on Bernama TV.
Mohd Izani added that UMT had taken the initiative to organise the inaugural ESG Global Young Leader Summit 2024 from Aug 22 to 25, which will bring together more than 150 students and student leaders from within the country and abroad.
He said that during the programme, participants would engage in discussions and present resolutions to the government on how the voices of the youth could contribute to the formation of governmental policies and strategies.
"This is a very interesting programme because, in the past, UMT often sent our students to speak internationally, such as at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), but it involved a very small number of students.
"So, it is time for us to host a gathering of youth to discuss sustainability and the environment. We are also opening this event to international students, including those from Asean, to participate," he said.
Also appearing on the programme was Muhammad Afif Darwish Mohd Sawal, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Conservation and Biodiversity Management) student at UMT, who shared the view that early exposure to ESG for the youth could give them an understanding of the field before entering the industry.
"By exposing the youth to ESG early on before they enter the industry, they will have a better understanding and will be able to integrate these values more effectively for the progress of the companies they work for, as well as for the advancement of future generations.
"In doing so, we can also help to lead the world towards becoming a more beautiful place to live in the future," he said. — Bernama
