LONDON: The Sarawak government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) to boost collaboration in environmental sustainability, human capital development and global policy innovation.
The agreement was formalised through a document exchange between State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and LSE Professor of Environmental Economics Susana Mourato here today (Sept 23), local time.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the MoU serves as a framework combining Sarawak’s natural and human capital with LSE’s expertise to generate knowledge, policies and solutions with benefits at both state and international levels.
“With more than 60 per cent of our land still covered in forests, Sarawak’s rainforests, rivers and biodiversity are our greatest assets, making the state an important carbon sink for the world.
“But conservation requires stronger global recognition and international collaboration,” he said during the ceremony.
Abang Johari added Sarawak is also open to exploring the science-based concept of ‘planetary boundaries’ as part of its governance approach, ensuring development remains within safe ecological limits.
“This approach will keep our development within environmental boundaries while driving innovation, resilience and prosperity for the people,” he said.
The MoU covers executive education programmes for Sarawak’s civil service, scholarships for students, joint research initiatives, and the integration of sustainability leadership and ESG principles into state policies.
The agreement follows a roundtable session at LSE in May 2025, where the Premier and his delegation discussed natural capital, sustainability, climate action and the role of research and education in state development.
The partnership is seen as a key step in positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in the green economy, while opening new opportunities in education and research with one of the world’s top universities.
During the visit, the Premier also met with Sarawak students currently studying at LSE.
