Sunway all for SDGs
> 8,165 Malaysians pledge support for UN SDGs
Atotal of 8,165 Malaysians came together at Sunway City to join hands in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and mark its third anniversary.
Why 8,165? Because the number represents the distance, in nautical miles, from Sunway University to the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The momentous event organised by the Sunway Education Group saw people assembling in clusters at key locations in Sunway City, in support of the SDG goals.
The focus was to “join hands and make the pledge” and the main event was held at Sunway University where 17 speakers, including Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, were invited to deliver a speech and make their pledge in support of the UN SDGs.
“Poverty is more than just the lack of income and resources in ensuring a sustainable livelihood,” said Tengku Amir in his speech on the first goal under the UN SDGs. Its manifestations include hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination and exclusion, as well as the lack of participation in decision-making.
The royal also touched on economic growth, which is important and must be inclusive, in order to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.
He also informed the audience that currently, 783 million people live below the international poverty line of US$1.90 a day, and that majority come from the regions of Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. His hope is that the SDGs will inspire change by 2030 in a number of areas across the board.
Corporate icons, celebrities, athletes and educationists were among other speakers, some of whom included Malaysian singersongwriter Reshmonu, Subang Jaya state assemblyman Michelle Ng, comedian Harith Iskandar, National Geographic Explorer filmmaker Rachel Quek Siew Yean and SEA Games medal winner Sin Li Jane. Each spoke on one of 17 SDGs.
Founding Trustee of The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah would not have missed being part of this memorable event. He shared his delight and was grateful to see the number of people who came together to make their pledge.
A countdown followed by the SDG anthem being played as flag bearers waved high the 17 SDG flags.
“To give up your Sunday morning and come here together with family and friends, speaks volumes for the effort we Malaysians are taking in embracing the goals and living by the message,” he said.
“It is our hope that this significant public display of support, sheer magnitude of the event and the thousands taking part, will ensure that our message will echo across the nation,” Cheah added.
The momentous event was not short of entertainment, from famous opera singer Solomon Chong, magic acts by world-class illusionist Mahdi Moudini, songs played by the Malaysian Military Band, and magnificent dance performances, etc.
All 8,165 participants left with certificates and SDG badges, as mementos, and possibly a reminder to act now for our future.