SDG Week 2024: A Recap of Sustainable Action and Innovation

The University of Cyberjaya recently hosted SDG Week 2024, marking the second edition of this flagship event. Organised by the University’s Sustainability Committee, the event aimed to unite students, staff, NGOs, government organisations, the private sector, and the wider community in fostering collective action towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This week-long celebration was a dynamic blend of forums, workshops, exhibitions, outreach programmes, health screenings, and competitions, all aimed at addressing critical global challenges such as poverty, health, gender equality, and climate action.

With more than 700 participants, the event was officially launched by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. David Withford. In his opening speech, he emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing in advancing sustainability. He also highlighted the unique role of universities as hubs of research and creativity, positioning them to lead transformative efforts towards a sustainable future. The ceremony underscored that both individual actions and collective efforts are essential in achieving the SDGs.

Engaging and Thought-Provoking Forums

SDG Week featured a series of insightful forums addressing key sustainability challenges. One of the highlights, Shaping a Sustainable Future: The 2030 Agenda, was moderated by Professor Dr. François Therin and brought together experts from economics, public health, green energy, and planetary health. The forum explored the crucial role of higher education in promoting sustainability. Another session, Sustainable Business Practices, led by Dr. Abidah Binti Harun Alias, examined how businesses can embrace sustainability by reducing energy consumption and rethinking supply chains.

Additionally, the Role of Diet in Cancer Prevention and Management forum brought together a multidisciplinary panel to discuss the importance of diet and lifestyle in cancer prevention, with a focus on a balanced, whole-food nutrition. The Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women Leadership and Advancement forum explored SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and the qualities that empower women to succeed in leadership roles, such as resilience, adaptability, and effective communication.

Hands-On Learning: A Central Element of SDG Week

Hands-on learning played a central role throughout SDG Week. Participants had the opportunity to engage in various practical workshops designed to deepen their understanding of sustainability. In the Scented Eco-friendly Candle Making session conducted by the Faculty of Business and Technology, attendees crafted their own eco-friendly candles using sustainable soy wax and essential oils. The Waste and Composting workshop educated participants on sustainable waste management practices, while the Graduate Research School hosted a workshop on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This session focused on strategies to foster DEI in both academic and workplace environments.

Event Highlights: A Week of Inspiration and Engagement

1. Outreach: Jom Tip Pah
A group of 38 volunteers participated in the Jom Tip Pah initiative, collecting 44.4 kg of waste. This outreach campaign highlighted the importance of responsible waste disposal to prevent diseases like dengue and protect both land and water ecosystems.

2. Fitness: Zumba
Organised by the University’s Physiotherapy Society and the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, a lively Zumba session encouraged participants to stay active while enjoying the outdoors. It promoted physical fitness and well-being in an engaging, fun-filled way.

3. Movie Screening: Eating Our Way to Extinction
The documentary Eating Our Way to Extinction was screened to raise awareness about the environmental, ethical, and health impacts of the global food industry. Facilitated by The Green Spoon, the youth arm of the Malaysian Vegetarian Society, the session attracted over 120 students.

4. SDG Entrepreneurship Day
The SDG Entrepreneurship Day featured student-run booths showcasing eco-friendly products such as homemade soaps, preloved clothes, and beeswax wraps. The event demonstrated how entrepreneurship can contribute to sustainability by offering practical solutions that reduce waste and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

Impactful Campaigns Promoting Sustainability

SDG Week also featured impactful campaigns aimed at promoting sustainability. One notable initiative, Safe Medication Disposal, was organised by the Faculty of Pharmacy in collaboration with Alpro Pharmacy. This campaign encouraged students, staff, and the public to dispose of expired and unused medications responsibly, preventing environmental pollution and health hazards.

Another key campaign, E-Waste Collection, was carried out in partnership with Tech Waste Recycling. The campaign focused on collecting electronic waste such as old devices and components, with the aim of preventing environmental contamination and promoting responsible recycling. Both of these campaigns played a crucial role in raising awareness about proper waste disposal and its positive environmental impact.

A Memorable Conclusion to SDG Week 2024

The event concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating the achievements of participants. Awards were presented for the SDG Multimedia Video Competition, the From Zero to SDG Hero fitness challenge, and the Jom Kutip Sampah competition. A recap video summarising the week’s events, followed by a speech from Dr. Hassan Basri Jahubar Sathik, Senior Director of Academic Affairs, concluded the event on a high note.

The success of SDG Week 2024 was made possible through the active collaboration of various partners, including Talent Corp, the Malaysian Vegetarian Society, Tech Waste Recycling, and others. Their contributions were vital in supporting the diverse activities and campaigns throughout the week, making the event a resounding success