KiniEvents and MTCC are joining forces to present youth perspectives on sustainable wood sourcing policies for public projects

KiniEvents, in collaboration with the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), will host the fourth installment of the Youth Parliamentary Debathon, focusing on the question: “Should Malaysia go greener in public projects?”. This event is aimed at young people aged 16 to 25 and offers them a platform to express their views on the sustainable timber trade and sourcing.

The debate is scheduled to take place at Dewan Pembangunan Siswa 2, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang. 30 young people from all over the country will take part in the debate. Together they will examine the impacts of mandating the use of sustainably sourced wood 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 multiple perspectives.

The event will begin with participants presenting their arguments and presenting their views on whether Malaysia should adopt and enforce a sustainable timber sourcing policy for all public projects.

Malaysia is at the forefront of sustainable public procurement in the Asia-Pacific region. Since the launch of the Green Government Procurement (GGP) initiative in 2013, the country has used its procurement policy to advance sustainable consumption and production. GGP focuses on purchasing sustainable products and services in the public sector, thereby reducing environmental impact while conserving resources.

Malaysia’s commitment to green technology and eco-products is deeply embedded 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 sourcing target has been set for 2020, focusing on specific product and service categories with established Malaysian eco-labels.

The early implementation of the GGP in 2016 in twelve ministries and their agencies produced impressive results. A cumulative GGP value of RM482 million was achieved, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions of 100,431 kilotons. By 2017, GGP was expanded to all government agencies, requiring every ministry to integrate green specifications into its procurement processes.

Part of Malaysia’s sustainability initiative is certification under the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), which is managed by MTCC. MTCS ensures that wood products come from responsibly managed forests and undergo independent assessments of forest management practices. It is the first tropical wood certification scheme in the Asia-Pacific region to be supported by the Program 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 – accounting for over 37% of Malaysia’s forest cover. In addition, 368 certificate holders were issued chain of custody certifications.

Today MTCS is recognized by national procurement policy in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands and New Zealand. The program is also accepted by the Malaysian Green Building Index and other green building systems in Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. For example, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has included MTCS in its sustainable wood verification guidelines since 2006.

In collaboration with MTCC, KiniEvents is committed to empowering the next generation by engaging them in conversations that could drive behavioral changes in consumption. The aim of this initiative is to stimulate Generation Z’s interest in environmental protection, sustainable development, responsible consumption and sustainable forest management. The debate provides a platform for young people to express their views, engage in meaningful dialogue with policymakers and demonstrate their skills and knowledge on critical issues facing the country.

Take part in the “Youth Parliamentary Debate”. October 23, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. via Facebook, X and YouTube Livestream to be part of this transformative event.

Organized by KiniEvents and Malaysiakini, MTCC as a cooperation partner and co-organizer of the Student Union of Universiti Sains Malaysia (MPP-USM). A special mention goes 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 the Institute for Research & Development who joins us as a co-partner this year Policy (IRDP), Grass Malaysia, UTHM Student Union, UTM Student Union, UNITEN and UNITEN Debate & Oratory Soc; and finally our media partner on board, KiniTV.

Youth Parliamentary Debathon is an event not to be missed and everyone is encouraged to attend and be inspired by this important conversation.

For more information, visit the Youth Parliamentary Debathon website.

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