KiniEvents, in collaboration with the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), is set to host the 4th episode of the “Youth Parliamentary Debathon” centered on the question, “Should Malaysia Go Green with Public Projects?”. This event targets youth aged 16 to 25, providing them with a platform to voice their perspectives on sustainable timber trade and procurement.
Scheduled to take place in Dewan Pembangunan Siswa 2, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, the debate will feature 30 youths from across the nation. Together, they will explore the implications of mandating the use of sustainably sourced timber in local public infrastructure projects and procurement. As Malaysia seeks to balance economic development with environmental sustainability and social stability, this debate aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the policy from diverse perspectives.
The event will begin with participants presenting their arguments, offering their viewpoints on whether Malaysia should establish and enforce sustainable timber procurement policy for all public projects.
Malaysia is at the forefront of sustainable public procurement in the Asia-Pacific region.[1] Since the launch of the Green Government Procurement (GGP) initiative in 2013, the country has leveraged procurement policies to drive sustainable consumption and production. GGP focuses on purchasing sustainable products and services within the public sector, thereby reducing environmental impact while conserving resources.
Malaysia’s commitment to green technology and eco-products is deeply ingrained in its policies and strategies. The 11th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020) marked a significant step by mandating GGP for several ministries and agencies. Under this plan, a 20% green procurement target was set for 2020, focusing on specific product and service categories with established Malaysian ecolabels.[2]
The early implementation of GGP in 2016 across 12 ministries and their agencies yielded impressive results. A cumulative GGP value of RM482 million was achieved, resulting in a reduction of 100,431 kilotons of CO2 emissions. By 2017, GGP was expanded to include all government agencies, requiring each ministry to integrate green specifications into their procurement processes.[3]
Part of Malaysia’s sustainable initiative is via certification under the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), managed by MTCC. MTCS ensures that timber products come from responsibly managed forests and undergo independent assessments of forest management practices. It is the first tropical timber certification scheme in the Asia-Pacific region to be endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the world’s largest forest certification program. As of September 2024, the MTCS has certified a total of 41 Forest Management Units, covering 6.55 million hectares—representing over 37% of Malaysia’s forest cover. Additionally, 368 certificate holders have been issued chain-of-custody certifications.
Today, MTCS is recognized by national procurement policies in Denmark, United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands and New Zealand. The scheme is also accepted under the Malaysian Green Building Index and other Green Building Systems in Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, United Arab Emirates and Singapore. For example, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries includes MTCS in its guidelines for the verification of sustainable timber since 2006.
In partnership with MTCC, KiniEvents is committed to empowering the next generation by engaging them in conversations that could encourage behavioral change in consumption. This initiative aims to spark Gen Z’s interest in environmental conservation, sustainable development, responsible consumption, and sustainable forest management. The debate will provide a platform for young people to express their views, engage in meaningful dialogue with policymakers, and demonstrate their skills and knowledge on critical issues of the nation.
Join us for the “Youth Parliamentary Debathon” on 23rd October 2024, at 9.00am via Facebook, X, and YouTube livestream to be part of this transformative event.
Organized by the KiniEvents and Malaysiakini, MTCC as a Collaborative Partner and Co-Organized by Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Student Union (MPP-USM). A special mention to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as our Venue Partner, the Malaysian Institute of Debate and Public Speaking (MIDP) as our Soft Training Skill Partner, and joining us this year as Co-Partners, the Institute for Research & Development of Policy (IRDP), Grass Malaysia, UTHM Student Union, UTM Student Union, UNITEN, and UNITEN Debate & Oratory Soc; and finally our Media Partners on board, KiniTV.
“Youth Parliamentary Debathon” is an event not to be missed, and everyone is encouraged to participate in this event, and be inspired by this important conversation.
For more information, please visit Youth Parliamentary Debathon website.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://kini.events/genz/
[1] https://www.switch-asia.eu/resource/assessment-of-sustainable-green-public-procurement-in-malaysia/
[2] https://www.myhijau.my/green-procurement/
[3] https://www.myhijau.my/green-procurement/