SDG 17.2.2

PHAM 2024: A Collaborative Platform between Sunway University’s Sunway Centre for Planetary Health and the Planetary Health Alliance for Sustainable Solutions

Sunway University actively initiates and leads cross-sectoral dialogue on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its role as host of the 2024 Planetary Health Annual Meeting and Summit (PHAM 2024). The summit, organised in partnership with the Planetary Health Alliance, convened more than 1,500 participants from over 60 countries, including government agencies, NGOs, policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and civil society representatives.

Recognising the key role of Asia in addressing planetary health and sustainability challenges, PHAM 2024 was the first of its kind held in Southeast Asia, hosted by the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University under the theme “From Evidence to Action: Confronting Reality.”

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The summit advanced dialogue and partnerships directly supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The agenda included experiential learning activities, keynote addresses, and collaborative sessions such as a membership-led series of side events and lightning talks. It culminated in the presentation of a new Global Planetary Health Roadmap, aimed at translating research into practical global action and promoting transdisciplinary collaboration across sectors including One Health, Environmental Health, and sustainable development initiatives.

Government and intergovernmental representatives played a central role in the discussions, reflecting a strong commitment to policy integration and SDG implementation.

• Ms. Claudia Fernandez de Cordoba Farini, UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, spoke in Plenary 1: Towards a Safer Planet for All;
• Dr. Koko Takaki, Japan Ministry of Environment, participated in Plenary 2: Breaking the Silos – Systems Change for Planetary Health; and
• Mr. Mohamad Fadli from the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management contributed to Bringing Data to Life and Life to Data, addressing regional disaster and water-related governance.

Through PHAM 2024, Sunway University demonstrated leadership in initiating and facilitating cross-sectoral SDG dialogue between academia, government, and civil society. By convening global stakeholders and producing actionable outcomes, the University strengthened collective action on water security, climate resilience, and planetary health, reinforcing its role as a convener of global science, governance, and sustainability practice.

Sunway University hosts the China-Malaysia Innovation Future Summit

Sunway University actively initiates and leads cross-sectoral dialogue on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through major international events such as the China–Malaysia Innovation Future Summit, hosted on 16 July 2024 by the University.

The summit commemorated 50 years of Malaysia–China diplomatic relations and established new partnerships to advance research, innovation, and sustainable development. It brought together more than 200 government representatives, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, and industry leaders to discuss collaborative strategies aligned with the SDGs, particularly those related to innovation (SDG 9), partnerships (SDG 17), and sustainable economic growth (SDG 8).

Distinguished participants included H.E. Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador of China to Malaysia, and YB Dato’ Haji Mohammad Yusof bin Apdal, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI). The event facilitated policy dialogue and knowledge exchange between academia, government, and industry, focusing on youth-led innovation and the role of technology in achieving sustainable development.

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Key outcomes included the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding: one on the China–Malaysia Digital and Green High-Tech Innovation Center and Technology Industrial Park, and another on Research, Innovation, and Educational Collaboration between Sunway University and the China Association for International Science and Technology Cooperation.

In addition, the China–ASEAN Innovation Quest for Our FUTURE 2024 and the Global π Community Malaysia Hub were launched to promote student-led innovation and cross-border collaboration for SDG solutions. The summit concluded with the Forum of the Future: People, Prosperity, and the Planet, which gathered leaders from Malaysia, China, and ASEAN to discuss policy alignment and practical approaches to achieving the SDGs.

The Summit directly advanced SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering cross-sectoral cooperation among government, academia, and industry to co-develop innovation pathways supporting inclusive and sustainable growth across ASEAN. Through this summit, Sunway University demonstrated leadership in initiating and convening cross-sectoral SDG dialogue, strengthening regional and international partnerships to advance sustainable innovation and inclusive growth.