Sunway Uni Hosts Local Action for Global Goals 2024

Event Picture

Sunway University recently hosted the Local Action for Global Goals 2024 festival, a vibrant three-day event held from 23–25 September, bringing together a diverse mix of corporate leaders, NGOs, influencers, schoolchildren, and over 25,000 students to support the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The festival, marking the 9th anniversary of the UN’s SDGs, was part of Sunway’s *Campus With A Conscience* initiative.

The festival featured a wide range of activities, including daily flag parades, live performances, workshops, and a sustainable marketplace. Prominent corporate brands such as HP, Decathlon, Uniqlo, and The Body Shop displayed their sustainability efforts, while Sunway College and Stylo organised an eco-friendly fashion show.

The event drew key regional figures, including representatives from UNICEF, the United Nations, and the World Health Organisation, alongside ambassadors from more than 12 countries. The festival also enjoyed royal patronage from the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, who attended and appreciated a performance by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

One of the highlights was an e-waste collection drive, offering attendees the opportunity to dispose of old electronics responsibly. Since the initiative began, over 37,000 kg of e-waste has been collected. Schoolchildren also participated in an interactive *Be A SDG Scout* trail across the campus, where they explored and learned about the 17 SDGs. Another initiative, the *Garden of Hope*, invited community members to purchase flower seeds from a vending machine, with proceeds benefitting underprivileged children in Malaysia through UNICEF.

The festival also featured an EU Pavilion, showcasing various European Union-led sustainability initiatives in Malaysia. A major attraction was the *Experiential Room*, which allowed visitors to engage with the EU’s history and its sustainable development vision for the future.

Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education, remarked, “This event demonstrates the power of collective action. By coming together, we can raise awareness of critical global challenges and foster a culture of sustainability within our community.”

Exhibitors also shared their positive experiences, with representatives from the European Union and Pos Malaysia highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration in advancing sustainability.

The *Local Action for Global Goals 2024* festival underscored the importance of global cooperation in achieving the SDGs by 2030, and showcased Malaysia’s strong commitment to these vital initiatives.