Resident Coordinator's speech: Malaysian Youth SDG Summit 2026

The Honourable Tuan Mordi anak Bimol, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports

Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria, Head of Secretariat, APPGM-SDG

Ms. Zoel Ng, Director, MySDG Academy

Mr. Muhammad Adib Azizan, Director, Malaysian Youth SDG Summit 2026

Distinguished guests, partners, colleagues,

And most importantly...

Young leaders from across Malaysia,

Good morning.

It is an honour to join you at the Malaysian Youth SDG Summit 2026.

The United Nations in Malaysia has proudly supported this Summit since 2021. I am delighted to continue that tradition, building on our partnership with MySDG Academy, APPGM-SDG and all partners who are committed to empowering young people as partners in sustainable development.

My sincere appreciation to everyone who has brought us together today - young leaders, policymakers, academia, industry, civil society and development partners.

This summit represents something important.

It recognizes that Malaysia's future cannot be built without young people.

It must be built with young people.

It must be shaped by young people.

And ultimately…

It must be led by young people.

As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on International Youth Day last year:

"Young people are bold innovators, resilient organizers, and essential partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals."

These words capture a fundamental truth.

Young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow.

You are leaders today.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The world is changing faster than ever.

Climate change is accelerating.

Technology is transforming economies and societies.

Inequality continues to challenge communities.

New opportunities are emerging.

But so are new uncertainties.

No government can navigate this future alone.

No business can do it alone.

No organization can do it alone.

The challenges of our time require a new way of working.

A whole-of-society approach.

One built on trust.

One built on partnership.

And one that recognizes the contribution of every generation.

Especially young people.

Malaysia has embraced this approach through the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan.

It sets out a vision for a nation that is more inclusive.

More resilient.

And more sustainable.

A vision where development is measured not only by economic growth

But by the wellbeing of people.

The strength of communities.

And the opportunities created for every Malaysian.

This is why Priority C5 of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan is so significant.

Malaysia is bringing the Third Sector into the mainstream of national development.

It recognizes that social enterprises, cooperatives, charities and civil society organizations are not on the margins of development.

They are partners in building a stronger Malaysia.

And at the heart of that vision...

Are young people.

Not as beneficiaries.

But as changemakers.

All young people.

Young women and girls.

Young persons with disabilities.

Young people from underserved communities.

Indigenous youth.

And every young person whose voice is too often unheard.

Because the future cannot be sustainable if opportunity belongs only to some.

It must belong to everyone.

A young person is never defined by just one identity.

A young woman from a rural community.

A young entrepreneur living with a disability.

An indigenous youth leading climate action.

Their experiences are different.

Their challenges are different.

And their voices matter equally.

As entrepreneurs creating businesses that solve social and environmental challenges.

As community leaders revitalizing cooperatives and strengthening local economies.

And as active citizens transforming ideas into action through volunteerism, innovation and civic engagement.

Priority C5 is an invitation.

An invitation for young Malaysians to build businesses with purpose.

To lead organizations that strengthen communities.

And to prove that economic success and social impact can go hand in hand.

Because policies alone do not create change.

People do.

Communities do.

Young people do.

Across Malaysia and around the world, young people are already showing what is possible.

You are creating businesses that solve social challenges.

Using technology to improve lives.

Leading climate action.

Strengthening communities.

Building bridges across differences.

This is the future we need.

Growth with purpose.

Innovation with inclusion.

Prosperity with dignity.

And Malaysia has every opportunity to lead.

You are leading that opportunity.

The United Nations is proud to support this journey.

Through our Youth2030 Strategy, we place young people at the centre of sustainable development.

Through the Pact for the Future, adopted by Member States in 2024, countries reaffirmed a simple principle:

The decisions that shape the future must include those who will inherit it.

Here in Malaysia, we have seen the impact of meaningful youth participation.

Through the Malaysia Youth SDG Summit.

Through consultations for the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

Through initiatives such as the Youth Environment Living Labs.

And every time, we see the same thing.

When young people are trusted

They deliver.

When young people are included

They innovate.

When young people are empowered

They transform communities.

But empowerment must also be inclusive.

The future of Malaysia's social economy must reflect the diversity of Malaysia itself.

That means ensuring that young women and girls, youth with disabilities, indigenous youth, and young people from underserved communities are not only represented—

But are able to lead.

Because different lived experiences lead to better solutions.

And more inclusive solutions build stronger societies.

That is why today's summit matters.

Not simply because we are gathered here today.

But because this room is filled with ideas.

With energy.

With commitment.

And with people determined to make a difference.

The Malaysian Youth Position Paper on the Future of Social Economy is an opportunity to turn those ideas into action.

Because the strongest policies are never created in isolation.

They are informed by evidence.

Strengthened through dialogue.

And shaped by the people whose future they seek to build.

Young leaders,

Your generation has inherited complex challenges.

But you have also inherited extraordinary opportunities.

Do not underestimate the power of your ideas.

Do not underestimate the impact of your actions.

Do not underestimate your ability to shape change.

The United Nations stands with you.

We will continue to listen.

We will continue to support.

And we will continue to create platforms where young people can lead.

Because youth participation is not optional.

It is essential.

It is the foundation of inclusive development.

It is the pathway to a more sustainable future.

Allow me to leave you with one final thought.

The future of Malaysia will not be determined by policies alone.

It will be determined by people.

By partnerships.

And by the choices we make today.

That future belongs to a generation that chooses courage over complacency.

Collaboration over division.

Action over apathy.

Hope over fear.

That generation is here today.

You are not waiting for change.

You are creating it.

You are not simply preparing for the future.

You are shaping it.

Because youth are not only the voices of the future.

Youth are the changemakers of today.

Youth are the changemakers for the national agenda.

Thank you.