Len addresses the symposium. — Information Department photo
KUCHING (Aug 18): Women must be given greater representation in decision-making on environmental issues, including in government, corporate boardrooms, research institutions and international forums, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said women should not only be involved in carrying out environmental work but must also have a voice where major decisions are made.
Abang Johari said inclusive leadership was not simply about representation, but about ensuring the talents, ideas, experiences and perspectives of the whole society were taken into account.
“Women are already making significant contributions throughout the environmental sector.
“They are scientists, engineers, policy makers, corporate leaders, researchers, conservationists, educators, entrepreneurs, community organisers and innovators.
“But we must ensure that women are not only involved in carrying out the work.
“They must also be represented where major decisions are made―in government, boardrooms, research institutions, businesses, investment committees and international forums,” he said.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh at the Women in Environment 2026 Symposium: Climate Action, Nature Conservation, Digital Transformation and Inclusive Leadership here on Tuesday.
Abang Johari said women also brought important perspectives to issues such as community resilience, resource management, education, health, household welfare and sustainable development.
“Women bring vital perspectives to issues such as community resilience, resource management, education, health, household welfare and sustainable development.
“When women are empowered to lead, the benefits are not limited to women alone.
“The benefits extend to families, communities, organisations and society as a whole,” he said.
On environmental challenges, Abang Johari said these could not be addressed by the government alone and required leadership from all sectors of society.
“Government cannot do it alone. Neither can industry. Neither can NGOs. Neither can scientists. Neither can communities.
“We need all of them working together,” he said.
Abang Johari noted that Sarawak needed to continue growing by creating jobs, developing industries, building infrastructure, improving connectivity, raising incomes and improving the quality of life of its people, while safeguarding its natural resources.
“The challenge before us therefore is not whether we should choose between development and conservation.
“The challenge is how we achieve both.
“How do we build an economy that is competitive, innovative and prosperous, while at the same time protecting the natural systems upon which that prosperity ultimately depends?” he questioned.
Abang Johari emphasised that sustainability should become a driver of future economic growth, including through the transition towards cleaner energy, renewable resources and lower-carbon industries.
“The transition towards cleaner energy, renewable resources and lower-carbon industries can create new investment opportunities, develop new technologies and generate new jobs,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s journey into renewable energy, hydrogen, green industries and greater value-added economic activities demonstrated the state’s willingness to explore new pathways for development.