KUCHING: Sarawak is strengthening its global sustainability efforts with the launch of the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2025, a platform dedicated to shaping young leaders in environmental advocacy.
The programme was launched by Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, yesterday at the Borneo Cultural Museum.
Scheduled to take place from June 18 to 20 at the Hikmah Exchange Centre in Kuching, RAYS 2025 carries the theme ‘Living Landscapes: Charting a Sustainable Future’, focusing on the relationship between people and nature.
The event will bring together more than 15 speakers from 12 countries.
Among them are environmental advocates such as Zoya Miari, Prachi Shevgaonkar, Mitzi Jonelle Tan, and Larissa Crawford, alongside regional experts like Joshua Belayan and conservation biologist Dr Ahmad Zafir Abdul Wahab.
They will discuss climate action, conservation, and indigenous knowledge, with a strong focus on transforming ideas into practical solutions.
The summit will go beyond speeches and panel discussions, offering hands-on workshops, advocacy training, and skill-building sessions to equip young leaders with the tools they need to make a difference.
One of the highlights will be the RAYS 2025 Torch Ceremony, a symbolic moment celebrating unity, resilience and hope in environmental advocacy.
To encourage wider participation, organisers have introduced special registration tiers.
ASEAN youth are able to register at RM300, returning alumni at RM250, group participants at RM230 per person, and international delegates outside ASEAN at RM500.
The fees include access to workshops, plenary sessions, networking events, and a special entry to the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025.
“This summit is about connection – connecting youth to sustainability, responsible tourism, and global cooperation,” he said at the launch.
As Sarawak continues its efforts to establish itself as a hub for environmental discourse, Karim urged youth leaders across Malaysia, ASEAN and beyond to join the conversation in Kuching this June.
“You are the heartbeat of change.
“The actions you take today will define the future of our planet,” he said.
