Opening Remarks at the Sustainability Youth Festival - Ms Goh Hanyan

1. Good afternoon. Thank you to the organiser, EB Impact, for having me at the inaugural Sustainability Youth Festival (TSYF).

2. I am glad to see so many young faces here today. Having so many of you here today tells me that you care about protecting our environment and want to do something about it.

3. Singapore’s sustainability journey has always been intertwined with our survival and success as a nation.

   • From our first tree-planting campaign in 1963 even before independence, to our current Singapore Green Plan 2030, environmental stewardship has been fundamental to our development.

   • While our forefathers laid the groundwork, climate change now poses an existential threat.

   • Our actions today will determine if we can have a sustainable and resilient future.

You Can Make an Impact

4. Climate change affects all of us. We need everyone to play their part in building a greener nation together.

5. Youths like you are at the forefront of this movement. Your ability to make an impact is greater than you think. Over the years, we have seen an increase in youth activity across a couple of areas.

   • First, youths are exploring new technologies and ways to tackle climate change.

     • Just today, we heard from the finalists of the TSYF Challenge. Who would have thought we could make hydrogen energy using aluminium foil in our homes?

     • I am glad there are platforms like TSYF that provide youths opportunities to translate their ideas into reality.

   • Second, youths are stepping up to co-create solutions with the government and the private sector.

     • Last year, 28 youths joined us on the #GreenHacks Youth Panel to come up with policy ideas to boost Singapore’s household recycling rate.

     • 20 youths also joined us at the 29^th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, at Azerbaijan last year.

     • Beyond just participating at COP29, these youths produced a Singapore Youth Delegation Report. It included recommendations for climate action across a range of topics, such as youth empowerment, waste management, and food resilience.

   • Third, youths can bring along other youths on this climate journey!

     • Today’s student conference brings youths together with experts and industry leaders to participate in an open discussion on what we can do to advance environmental sustainability.

     • I’m pleased to know that the Inter-University Environmental Coalition (IUEC) is stepping forward to organise this student conference as a way for our youth to deepen their knowledge and exchange ideas. Your effort today is precisely what I mean when I say youths can make a great impact.

     • The theme of the conference – Planet, Profit, and People – shows an appreciation of how different parties must align to achieve sustainable progress for our environment. I hope all of us will learn something new, be it the science behind climate change or the business of building a greener future.

The Future of Youth Action

6. As we look toward the future, there are plenty of opportunities for youth to get involved.  Let me suggest two for you to consider.

   • One way is through collaborations with corporates. Collaboration is key when it comes to taking climate action. Youths bring drive and energy. When given the right resources, your ideas can transform into impact.

     • Today’s conference is a perfect example. TSYF – a collaboration between youths and EB Impact – shows us the possibilities when youths join forces with other stakeholders in society.

   • Another area that holds promise for our youth is in the green transition.

     • As businesses increasingly embrace sustainable practices, there is a growing need to infuse our workforce with their knowledge and commitment to employees to lead the change.

     • I heard there will be a Career Speed Dating segment tonight. I believe this is a wonderful chance for our youth to build networks, discover, and be inspired by careers in the green economy.

Conclusion

7. To conclude, Singapore’s sustainability transition requires all of us to play our part. I really enjoyed hearing from some of you at the booths outside and am looking forward to the panel discussion.

8. Once again, I would like to commend the good work by both EB Impact and IUEC to empower youths. I wish all of you continued success. Together, let’s work towards building a greener, more liveable, and sustainable home for generations to come!

9. Thank you.