The Forum was officiated by the Rt Hon the Prime Minister of Malaysia,
YAB Dato' Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abd. Razak
The Forum discussion was participated by representatives of the International Org
Participants at the Forum
The PM reminds us that the protection of our planet will ensure that we bequeath future generations a world worth inheriting
Exhibition of Models of Sustainable Development: SDSN Malaysian Chapter:
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
Exhibition of Models of SD: Danum Valley Conservation Area
1. Introduction. The High Level Forum on Biodiversity &
Development Post 2015 was held from the 3rd to 6th
November, 2013 at the Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, organised jointly by
the Office of the Science Advisor, Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High
Technology (MIGHT) and supported by the Norwegian Environment Agency, United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Ministry of Natural Resources
& Environment (NRE). The Forum, as
Professor Emeritus Dato’ Seri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, the key person in its
organisation, spelled out both in the programme booklet and his welcoming
remarks, was to provide the platform to discuss issues that can contribute
towards the formulation of the post 2015 global development agenda to ensure
that we move towards a sustainable model that would balance development with
the need to preserve and enhance our environment, taking recognisance of the
increasing interconnectedness of the world and the many challenges that it
faces which encompasses population explosion, social inequality, food security,
depletion of resources, loss of biodiversity,
waste management, glass house gas emission and climate change. As
sustainability becomes crucial, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is expected
to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) as the post-2015 development
agenda. This International Forum was attended by representative of
international organisations such as FAO, IPBES Secretariat, UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP;
officials of the government ministries and departments, universities and NGOs.
2. Opening
Address. In his opening address, YAB
Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun A. Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia,
reminded the audience that the Muslim faith taught that human beings are the
trustees of the world and with the many challenges facing it, we must pursue
sustainable development – development that is fair and equitable. Malaysia is committed to a 40 percent
reduction in the intensity of emissions per unit of gross domestic product by
2020, the undertaking given at the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Summit and
accordingly, has kept its green cover at 74 percent and that 56.4 of its land
area today is still forested and it will continue to strike a balance between
environmental conservation and development.
Dato’ Seri Najib indicated that the country’s economic model must have
the interest of the people and is guided by the principles of high income,
inclusiveness and sustainability. Recognising
that biodiversity provides the fundamental needs of mankind , he advocated the
sustainable use of resources and protection of biodiversity must be
incorporated into the post-2015 development framework. However, the success of sustainable efforts
requires the collective effort of the global communities to achieve the desired
goals.
3. Panel Discussion. The panel discussion, chaired by Sir Robert
Watson, former Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
and Associate Director for Environment in the Office of the President of the
US, revolved around Integrating Biodiversity in Sustainable Development Goals
and members of the panel were made up of representatives of FAO, UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP and World
Bank. The speakers reiterated the
critical importance of biodiversity as it provides the needs of mankind such as
food security, medical treatments, ecosystem services and that it be the anchor
factor to be incorporated in SDG.
4. Informal
Consultation on IPBES & Capacity Building. This consultation took a
significant period of the Forum, which according to the programme was allocated
two days. I did not participate in this
consultation.
5. Exhibition. The exhibition, held outside the Forum hall,
entitled ‘Rising to the Challenge’, displayed the models of sustainable
development initiatives being undertaken in Malaysia covering:
a. Building Resilient Communities – the
model was on Life Cycle Disaster Management by Universiti Sains Malaysia.
b. Advancing Social Inclusiveness – Cure
& Care a holistic approach addressing drug addiction spearheaded by ISTIC.
c. Life Long Learning and Education – Teach
for Malaysia project with a mission to enhance quality of education in
Malaysia. Another activity under this
category is Inspiring Next Generation Scientists led by University of Malaya
and supported by MOSTI is aimed at generating interest and equip young
individuals with high quality scientific understanding.
d. Health for All – Affordable
Diagnostics project by Universiti Sains Malaysia in the development of rapid
antigen test kit to provide accurate disease diagnosis to eliminate Lymphatic
Filariasis. Another model is the Non-
Infectious Diseases project on Malaysia Cohort led by UKM and MOH.
e. Green Industries – The manufacturing
of green chemicals by MYBiomass Sdn Bhd initiated by MIGHT and the conversion
of plastic waste into renewable energy by Syngas Sdn Bhd are the two models
under this category of SD initiatives.
f. Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Security – Zero Waste Campus project of University of Malaya is conducted with
the objective of cutting down waste to the minimum through an integrated waste
management model. Also, the ‘White
Coffin’ project of USM in banning the use of polystyrene food containers on
campus and instead encourage use of eco-friendly packaging.
g.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services – Malaysian Lakes project initiated
by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia with National Hydrological Institute of
Malaysia which formulated the 8 strategies for the sustainable management and
development of lakes in the country. Also, the Langkawi Geopark, a holistic
approach to sustainable tourism.
i. Business with Soul – United
Plantations is recognised as the best managed, eco-friendly and integrated
plantation in the country. Another
business with soul project is Cess Money Systems whereby enterprises and
smallholders contribute a small part of their revenue to support promotion,
research, innovation and sustained growth of the industry.
6. Discussion
and Concluding Remarks. I am greatly
heartened by the organisation of this Forum.
Firstly, the person involved in it, Prof. Zakri, is a graduate of the same
College as I am, the College of Agriculture Malaysia and a friend. I am proud of the various appointments and
positions he holds both on the national and international arena – among them Science
Advisor to the Government; Chair of IPNES, and Special Advisor on Science to
the Secretary General of the UN.
Secondly, knowing that the Prime Minister, in his address, demonstrated
his commitment to a development that balances income with environmental
consideration. His presence at the Forum
was also testimony of his continued interest in science related activities and
support for his Science Advisor.
Thirdly, the Exhibition on Models of Sustainable Development initiatives
enhances my awareness of these activities, many of which I am not aware
of. I have always looked forward to
these sort of Fora and Conferences as these provide the latest information on
the subject besides keeping in touch with friends from various organisations
who attended these functions.
Written and Posted on 24 December, 2013.
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