Speakers:

Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives - The Wild Center, USA

Hannah Barg, Climate Network Manager - The Wild Center, USA

Ellen Lansing, Youth Climate Leader - Columbia University & The Wild Center, USA

Anjalee Wanduragala, Youth Climate Leader - Hobart and William Smith Colleges, USA

Youth are at the forefront of the global climate movement, and their involvement is crucial for driving the change needed to address the climate crisis. We will explore how young people can connect to climate action and resilience work around the world and find their unique pathways into the climate movement.  We will highlight how one secondary student, at The Wild Center, a science museum in New York State located in the Champlain Adirondack Biosphere Reserve, catalyzed a global movement of youth climate summits to inspire change.

We will provide an opportunity for students to learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also known as the Global Goals, and how these global targets can be applied to local contexts. Participants will engage with inspiring stories of youth-led climate initiatives and explore practical ways to contribute to climate action within their schools, communities, and beyond. The session will also highlight the importance of collective action, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in achieving just and sustainable solutions.

By the end of the session, students will feel inspired and motivated to take climate action, equipped with the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact on the world, starting in their own communities.

PLENARY SESSION 2  DAY 2 :  Climate Stories from Gen Z

Speakers:

Aidil Iman,  Founder Kolektif Iklim, UNICEF Youth Climate Champions Consultant, YSEALI Academic Fellow

This session explores how Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, views climate change. It will share personal stories that are inspiring and innovative actions by young people worldwide. They discuss why they act, the obstacles they face, and how they promote sustainability using online tools and local projects. By discussing how climate change affects them emotionally, we see their strength and determination to influence global environmental rules. Attendees will learn about Gen Z's crucial role in climate action and creating a greener future.

PLENARY SESSION 3  DAY 2 :  Youth Activism: Catalysing Change for a Sustainable Future

Speakers:

Moderator

Sofia Castelo, Climate Adaptation & Urban Resilience Project Lead, Think City

Earth, the most complex of known complex systems, is being subject to a great global experiment, which is what Earth scientists often call climate change. All forms of life, including humans, are vulnerable, as we are currently amid the 6th mass extinction in the history of the planet. Southeast Asia is one of the areas of the globe that are more at risk, and tropical landscapes are being threatened at multiple levels.

The public discourse on the subject is not consensual and the bold action needed from policymakers to meet the scale of the challenge has not taken place. Global, regional, and local communities will face, in any of the future scenarios that are still possible, depending on global mitigation efforts, a considerable change in the conditions of life on Earth. As six out of nine planetary boundaries have already been breached, the magnitude of this impending change is likely to be profound. Adaptation measures must be put in place, but even then, there are limits to our adaptation capacity, some of which have already been breached. Beyond a certain threshold, various parts of the globe will not be able to adapt. There is still time to avoid the worst, and, equally importantly, to prepare for what is inevitably coming. New ways of inhabiting the planet must be explored.

Youth will bear the brunt of the coming impacts. In this scenario, can young people make a difference? How can they initiate an impactful movement? Do protests work? Should action be global, local, or focused on a niche subject? In this session, a guest panel of experienced activists will discuss a series of case studies and assess their impact, seeking to draft a potential road map for youth-led action.

PLENARY SESSION 4  DAY 3 :  Local Solutions, Global Impacts

Session Speakers:

Dr. Yang Kok Lee, Senior Science Project Officer Penang Hill Corporation, Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve;

Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives - The Wild Center, USA

Panel Discussion Speakers:

Representative, Department of Wildlife and National Parks Malaysia;

Associate Prof. Dr. Wira Mohd Shafiei, Director of Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia;

Mr. Ong Kok Peng, Founding Member of NatureWalk and Nature Green Farm @ Penang Hill;

Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives - The Wild Center, USA

Moderator:

Mr. Allen Tan, Executive Director,  The Habitat Group

Curious about how local communities can drive global environmental change? A biosphere reserve might hold the answers. A biosphere reserve is a designated area that promotes the conservation of biodiversity while fostering sustainable development. It acts as a living laboratory where nature and human activities coexist in harmony, providing crucial insights into how we can balance ecological preservation with our daily lives.

The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR), a UNESCO-recognized site, is one such area dedicated to preserving unique ecosystems and combating climate change. This session at the Youth Climate Summit Southeast Asia 2024 will delve into the importance of biosphere reserves like PHBR, exploring how these vital areas contribute to climate resilience and sustainability.

With insights from The Wild Center, part of the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Reserve in the USA, this session will connect local conservation efforts to global sustainability goals. Youth leaders will be inspired to see how their actions, informed by the lessons from PHBR, can create ripples of change across the globe. Don’t miss the chance to discover how you can play a role in shaping a sustainable future.

PARALLEL TRACK SESSION 1  DAY 1 :  Indigenous Knowledge

Speakers/Facilitators

Lincoln Khoo, Managing Director Explore Wild Asia Sdn. Bhd.

                          Entrepreneur dedicated to Orang Asli economic empowerment through eco tourism.

Orang Asli (Indigenous people) Team

In this session, your will experience the Orang Asli as guardians of Malaysia’s jungle legacy.

Mahat a/l China is an Orang Asli author of poetry, short stories and novels with 'asli' themes. He is a 'cermor' or story teller in the Orang Asli community. You might call him a living repository of Orang Asli lores and history.

Mahat aka Akiyah will be speaking on the many issues and challenges the Orang Asli face as Malaysia's poorest people group. He will speak on behalf of his people and present what the Orang Asli see as possible solutions to their poverty and environmental issues surrounding their land. He will of course, also share the Orang Asli' s hope to be mobilized to protect the jungles where they live. 

Apart from the sharing, you will see live demo of how darts are shot from a blow pipe and types of poisons and medicines derived from the jungle plants.

The Orang Asli see themselves as intrinsically valuable in any jungle conservation and wildlife preservation movement in this country. 

That of course, makes them valuable in the  climate movement in Malaysia.

PARALLEL TRACK SESSION 2  DAY 1 :  Climate Action and Education

Speakers:

Lavinia Neoh Yi-Wen, Head of Education, Entopia

Gabriel Tan Th’ng Chun, Head of Information Technology & Business Development, Entopia

Melawani Othman, Researcher – Penang Green Agenda and Carbon Reporting,  Penang Green Council

Huey Ching Hoo,  Assistant Manager, Penang Green Council

We're so excited to see young climate heroes stepping up to protect our Mother Nature. From raising awareness to taking action, every effort counts! Entopia is hosting this session to share with you all how to be a part of Climate Heroes, the change-makers who are leading the charge toward a sustainable future. Learning through games and hands-on experience is the best and we would love for you to be a part of this incredible mission together!

How does a State government work through a Green Agenda?  Why is it important?    How does it impact you?   Do you know what Penang’s Green Agenda is all about.  Hear it from the Penang Green Council.   In this segment, you shall also look at what a Green home looks like through a hands-on workshop.

PARALLEL TRACK SESSION 3  DAY 1 :  Water Security

Speakers:

Dr. Hong Chern Wern, Executive Manager, Water Watch Penang

At Water Watch Penang (WWP), our mission is to promote sustainable water management and conservation through education, community engagement, and innovative solutions. Guided by our vision of a world where water resources are preserved and accessible to all, we strive to empower individuals and communities to make a positive impact on water sustainability.

Global, National, and Local Water Issues Dive into the pressing water issues affecting our planet, country, and local communities. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable water management.

Water Footprint and Water Consumption Calculation Learn how to calculate your water footprint and understand your water consumption based on your water bill. This insightful session will help you recognize your impact and identify ways to reduce water usage.

Various Ways to Save Water and Reduce Your Water Consumption Discover practical and effective strategies to conserve water in your daily life. From simple habits to adopting water-efficient technologies, find out how you can make a significant difference.

It’s  Game Time!: No, this is not KAHOOT! Engage in interactive water games via the Genially platform to reinforce your learning in a fun and memorable way. This gamified approach will enhance your understanding of water conservation.

What do you need to prepare?

• Enthusiasm!
• Smartphone or preferably laptop
• Your home water bill/e-bill

PARALLEL TRACK SESSION 4  DAY 2 :  Food Security

Speakers/Panellists

Michelle Tigchelaar  , Scientist & Impact Area Lead, WorldFish

Prof. Eddie H. Allison, Principal Scientist, WorldFish

Prof. Dato’ Dr.  Aileen Tan Shau Hwai,

School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia; Director of the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies at USM

Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific University-Community Engagement Network.

What is food security and can we be sure of availability and affordability of safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy life for everybody? Will climate change jeopardize food security globally?

In this session, you will learn about Planetary health and sustainable food production; Climate-adaptive, inclusive, nature-based aquaculture;  Sustainable palm oil production; Perspective from a local food producer

Listen to and share what’s in your mind with a group of expert panellists on food security. 

PARALLEL TRACK SESSION 5  DAY 2 :  Climate Change and Tourism

Speakers/Panellists

Dr. Irhanida  Senior Lecturer for School of Hospitality, Tourism,  Culinary Arts, Univ of Wollongong Malaysia

Prof. Dato' Dr. Zulfigar, Professor of Marine Biology at University Sains Malaysia

Recent estimates suggest roughly 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded worldwide each year before the COVID-19 pandemic. The numbers probably reached similar or even higher levels in the years post COVID as global travel continues to rebound.

Would you expect this scale of human activity to have an impact on the climate? Learn about how change affects tourism and vice versa in a fun and interactive manner via  interactive games.

You will learn of successful tourism and climate change initiatives from around the world through various case studies. Come prepared to discuss what can be done to promote sustainable tourism and mitigate climate change impacts.

You can do your part for responsible tourism by using social media platforms for advocacy and awareness. Learn how through hashtags and multimedia content.

PARALLEL TRACK SESSION 6  DAY 2 : Climate Storytelling and Climate Justice

Speakers/Panellists

The Team from the Wild Center, New York, USA

What is Climate Story Telling? Learn it the fun way by rotating through different stations themed around climate storytelling & ways to tell your climate story. Stations will include: collaging, letter writing, journaling, photo/ video recording, climate art & data, and meme making. 

What is Climate Justice? Listen to stories about Climate Justice from around the world and how communities are affected by the political aspects of climate change.