Kuching City, Sarawak, Malaysia – The inaugural Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS), held June 26-28, 2024, in Kuching City, Sarawak, Malaysia, marked a significant moment for global environmental efforts. Themed “Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future,” the summit united young leaders in Southeast Asia, subject-matter experts, public and private sectors, and civil society from across the globe to tackle the critical issue of environmental sustainability.
Among the young minds gathered at RAYS was Mr. Riu Gabriel Rodriguez, a Senior Research Associate representing the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI). The summit served as a launchpad for the youth to explore diverse thematic areas like climate adaptation, sustainable development, biodiversity and ecosystem preservation, rainforest insights and wisdom, and youth advocacy and activism.
The summit featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including conservation experts, researchers, climate justice activists, indigenous representatives, artists, and innovators. Their diverse perspectives provided young participants with a comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and potential solutions. From the wisdom of indigenous communities to the cutting-edge research of scientists, RAYS fostered a rich exchange of knowledge and ideas, empowering the participants to approach environmental issues with a holistic perspective.
The University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) has been a leader in advancing disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) efforts in the country. UPRI has designed and implemented formal and non-formal academic programs on DRR and CCA. This is exemplified through leading the development of educational materials and the free massive open online course (MOOC), “Basics of Resilience.” Initiatives like these ensure that Filipinos from all walks of life are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate a changing environment.
Mr. Rodriguez’s exposure to innovative approaches to sustainable development at the summit, particularly the “Hacking the SDGs through Design Thinking” and “Gender Perspectives on Climate Change” sessions, is valuable especially in the development of new and engaging educational materials for various types of learners. Additionally, connecting with a global network of young environmental leaders allows UPRI to stay at the forefront of youth engagement strategies, fostering a more active and passionate generation of environmental stewards in the Philippines.
The inaugural RAYS summit has undoubtedly paved the way for future collaboration and action on climate and sustainability issues. In exciting news, the Sarawak Tourism Board announced that RAYS will now be an annual event, promising to make it even bigger and better. By bringing together young leaders from around the world, the summit fostered a sense of global unity and purpose. The knowledge, networks, and inspiration gained at RAYS will undoubtedly propel young people to become more engaged and become catalysts for change.
