A two-day forum discussing sustainable consumption and production began at Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday, in conjunction with the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2024.
The Brunei Mampan Forum aimed to provide a platform for senior officials, local and foreign experts from government agencies, academic institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and youth to discuss solutions to accelerate progress in United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production.
On the first day of the forum, participants listened to presentations and discussions on sustainable consumption and production trends at the national, regional, and global level.
It also highlighted progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Discussions included national approaches to sustainable production through energy transition, sustainable natural resource management and environmental protection, consumer behaviour and strategies to educate and influence consumers towards more eco-friendly and sustainable product and business practices aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
The Permanent Secretary (Wawasan) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala binti Pengiran Haji Mohammad who is the Chair for Secretariat to the Special National Coordination Committee (SNCC) on Sustainable Development Goals (SNCC SDGs), said the forum represents a commitment towards transforming the responsible production and consumption of goods and services approaches, which plays a vital role in promoting innovative solutions and practices that protect the environment.
She called on participants to embrace transformative ideas and integrate sustainability into daily life to support national efforts in achieving the SDGs and Brunei Vision 2035.
Meanwhile, Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin, the guest of honour, noted that consumption and production are integral to the daily lives of society.
In her keynote address, she emphasised the need to have wise decision-making concerning purchases, products usage and responsible disposal.
The LegCo member also urged society to be bold, creative and open to new approaches as well as changing mindsets to find solutions towards a more sustainable future.
“Cooperation from all sectors and levels of society is needed to attain a more meaningful impact,” she said.
“This commitment also includes the active involvement of LegCo members in raising awareness and advancing the SDGs through national and multilateral efforts.”
The forum was organised by the PMO as the SNCC on SDGs, in collaboration with the UBD School of Business and Economics.
Also present were representatives from United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); United Nations Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam (UNGCMYB); Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore; Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation; and RMIT University, Melbourne. – Azlan Othman
