Abdul Karim (fifth left), flanked by his deputies, joins other officials for a photo session at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre.
KUCHING (June 18): The Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) is more than just a platform for dialogue – it is a movement for co-creation and change, aimed at empowering young people to take ownership of their future, said Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Speaking at the summit’s opening ceremony held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre today, he emphasised that Sarawak’s role as host extended beyond logistics and hospitality.
“This platform is designed so that youths will not merely be participants, but active architects of our shared future,” he said.
“We are committed to ensuring the outcomes of this summit influence real policy decisions and spur community-driven action,” he added.
Now in its second year, RAYS has convened more than 20 speakers from 13 countries, offering a vibrant space for youth to share diverse perspectives on sustainability, indigenous knowledge, climate action, and youth advocacy.
Abdul Karim, who is also State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister, praised the Sarawak Tourism Board for its leadership in organising the summit and expressed gratitude to all collaborators, volunteers, and partners.
He noted that the summit aligns with the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which seeks to drive inclusive economic growth while prioritising environmental sustainability and social equity.
Absul Karim also highlighted Sarawak’s ongoing efforts in environmental conservation and innovation, including investments in renewable energy, development of biodiversity corridors, and the pursuit of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) recognition for Sarawak Delta Geopark.
“Here in Sarawak, we are proud to lead by example. Our policies and programmes demonstrate that sustainability and cultural preservation are central to development,” he said.
He added that RAYS supports Sarawak’s alignment with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) regional strategies, by ensuring youth voices are represented in climate and policy dialogues.
Urging participants to bring back the insights gained at RAYS to their communities, Abdul Karim stressed the importance of continued engagement.
“We want our youth – whether from Sarawak, Malaysia, or across Asean – to shape, lead, and curate the future they wish to inherit.
“Through platforms like RAYS, we ensure their voices are not only heard but are part of the policymaking process,” he said.
He concluded by inviting delegates to experience Sarawak’s rich heritage and culinary traditions, reminding them that Kuching has been recognised by Unesco as both a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ and a ‘World City of Crafts’.
Also present were Deputy State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Ministers Datuk Sebastian Ting and Datuk Snowdan Lawan, as well as Deputy State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Ministers Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat and Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu.