The 2nd SDG Youth Dialogue commenced on Monday, gathering youths aged 15 to 25 in an event aimed at fostering the development and empowerment of future sustainability leaders. This initiative serves as a testament to Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to harnessing the potential of its youth, nurturing a generation of visionary and innovative change agents dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future for all.
BIBD, as one of the main supporters of the dialogue, has reinforced its dedication to youth empowerment and sustainable development through its active involvement. This support is a testament to the bank’s Sustainability Framework, which underscores BIBD’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and driving positive change. By backing initiatives like the SDG Youth Dialogue, BIBD continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the youth to contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future.
The dialogue was officiated by Pg. Hjh Siti Nirmala Pg. Hj Mohammad, Permanent Secretary (Wawasan), Prime Minister’s Office.
BIBD’s Chief Marketing Officer, Hjh Nurul Akmar binti Hj Mohd Jaafar said that BIBD believes in the power of youth as catalysts for change.
“Our commitment to youth empowerment and sustainability is embedded in our Sustainability Framework, which aligns with Brunei Vision 2035 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through initiatives like the Sustainability Youth Leadership Award, we aim to foster a generation of leaders who are not only aware of the challenges we face but are also equipped and motivated to address them,” she said.
The four project winners of the 1st cohort of the BIBD Sustainability Youth Leadership Award also presented the outcomes of their project implementation phases. These youth groups—Project Hayaa, Iklim Chapters, Project Pink Box, and Upskilling Tutong—representing the Education, Health, Environment, and Jobs clusters, havedemonstrated outstanding innovation and dedication towards sustainability.
Organised by the Prime Minister’s Office as the Special National Coordinating Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, with cooperation from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and BIBD, the programme and activities are run by the Brunei Youth Council and Green Brunei, with the support of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).
In line with the SDG Youth Statement delivered at the 1st SDG Youth Dialogue, this second dialogue will focus on the environment, specifically its linkages to the 12th goal of the Sustainable Development Goals: Responsible Consumption and Production.
The dialogues are expected to promote a greater understanding among young people of the importance of consuming and producing goods more responsibly and sustainably, generating ideas and solutions to promote and influence sustainability through projects, with selected projects awarded the BIBD Sustainability Young Leader Award.
During this second youth dialogue, the 2nd cohort of youth groups participating in the BIBD Sustainability Youth Leadership Award, focusing specifically on SDG12, will be mentored and provided with guidance on how to effectively manage projects and develop them to address identified issues.
The youth dialogue will culminate in the announcement of the Champion Award: BIBD Sustainability Youth Leadership Award 2023, celebrating the outstanding contributions and innovations of young leaders dedicated to a sustainable future. Two individual champion’s awards, namely Most Inspiring Male Leader and Most Inspiring Female Leader will receive a prize worth B$1,000. Meanwhile, the Best Overall Youth Sustainability Project Award will be rewarded with a cash award of B$3,000.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BGAWAN
