Rokiah Mahmud
As many countries are moving towards endemicity, the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are being assessed and understood while the long-term impact on health, well-being are still being discovered.
Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman said this in a sabda at the opening ceremony of the 18th International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference (ISB BGIC) at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas yesterday.
Her Royal Highness added that it is the duty of every member of the society to participate, to the best of abilities in safeguarding good health and well-being of everyone.
“Undoubtedly all will benefit from continued close inter-governmental and public-private sector cooperation, in the effort to overcome the mounting global challenges together,” said Her Royal Highness.
Her Royal Highness said it is important to engage the youth as agents of future change in the country, adding that the youth’s work over the past few years as volunteers has been indispensable, and valuable in overcoming adversity now and in the future.
She said ISB BGIC provides a platform for young people to emulate world leaders in producing resolutions to promote health and well-being for everyone, reduce international disparity, and mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19. “All of us should feel very proud for caring and contributing to this student-led conference. We are all doing our part in our social investment and demonstrating our social responsibility in nurturing youth’s voice and action,” she said.
Her Royal Highness called upon the young delegates to take ASEAN leaders as role models, and be vocal in their opinions while remaining open-minded and receptive during the debates.
“Take the time to consider different ideas and the circumstances of others,” she said.
“BGIC encourages strong and diverse partnerships which strive for mutually respectful and peaceful collaborations, promoting the importance of working collectively and in solidarity.”