KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 25): Sunway University hosted a week-long festival in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from Sept 18, bringing together non-governmental organisations, corporate leaders and over 22,000 students from across Malaysia to its campus in Sunway City.

This is the second time the university is hosting the event, themed “Campus with a conscience — Local action for global goals 2023”. It featured talks, performances, interactive workshops and displays from sustainability-minded corporations, such as Blueshark, Uniqlo, The Body Shop and Aquaria.

There were also a sustainable marketplace and live music performances. The event was opened with an inclusive fashion show featuring senior citizens from the Subang Jaya community and a group of children with special needs.

Notable visitors to the event included Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, German ambassador to Malaysia HE Dr Peter Blomeyer,  UK High Commissioner to Malaysia HE Ailsa Terry, Finnish ambassador to Malaysia HE Sami Leino, and United Nations Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam Karima El Korri.

“This event is very much centred around making long-term collaborations and bringing people together. It is a platform which highlights the role we all play in creating awareness on current issues centred on planetary health, and in nurturing our Sunway community on sustainable living practices and the need for solutions towards addressing critical global challenges,” said Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Professor Datuk Elizabeth Lee.

An interactive treasure hunt across the campus was organised for younger participants from schools across the country, and it was aimed at educating them about the 17 SDGs. A wishing wall was also set up at the event location, where wishes of 280 children from local orphanages and refugee homes were featured. The Sunway community was invited to grant these wishes through donations via a charity vending machine, which was sponsored by Advanced Food Technologies. All 280 wishes were granted by the end of the week.

“Through this event, we are able to provide an avenue for various organisations, communities and charities to spread awareness and raise funds, as well as for global brands to showcase their sustainability initiatives,” said Sunway University president Professor Sibrandes Poppema.