Youth representatives from environmental non-government organisations (NGOs) discussed environmental sustainability with the United States (US) Embassy in Brunei Darussalam on Friday, in conjunction with Earth Day.
The event was an opportunity to assemble groups who have conducted US government-funded environmental initiatives so that they could share their progress and exchange best practices.
Representative from Sustainable Ocean Alliance Shaima Misli gave a presentation on the recently-completed AdvocaSEA Camp, which taught youth leaders about marine conservation issues.
Reef Check Brunei representative Frederick Chong talked about initiatives like Marine-O-Debris, which was funded through the US government’s Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) in 2019.
The project empowers scuba divers to remove marine debris from the ocean and report data on the types, quantities and locations of materials collected. Environmental NGO Green Brunei also attended the event.
Following the presentations and discussion, the youth toured the embassy compound to learn about its sustainability features and energy efficient practices.
US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Jeff Barrus said the US government was committed to working with international partners to combat the climate crisis.
He cited the recent ‘Our Oceans Conference’, co-hosted by the US and Palau, as an example of international cooperation in tackling challenges like ocean warming, sea level rise, and ocean acidification.
Barrus said the US Embassy will host the annual YSEALI Summit in June, featuring over 100 young climate leaders across Southeast Asia to discuss solutions for a warming planet.
US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Emily Fleckner was also present.
