In a concerted effort to advance youth-led climate and environmental initiatives in Malaysia, the European Union (EU) has announced its support for the Youth Environment Living Labs (YELL) programme. This initiative, jointly led by UNDP Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei Darussalam and UNICEF Malaysia, seeks to empower young people to play a central role in addressing the climate crisis.
The partnership, also involving local environmental NGO Amanah Lestari Alam (ALAM), aims to expand YELL’s impact, bolstered by crucial funding from the EU. YELL is dedicated to fostering youth engagement in environmental issues, with a focus on amplifying local and indigenous perspectives to make climate narratives more relevant to young Malaysians.
H.E. Michalis Rokas, EU Ambassador to Malaysia, emphasized the importance of youth participation in climate action. “Young people are the driving force behind sustainable change, and their involvement is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The EU is proud to support YELL and work alongside UNDP, UNICEF, and ALAM. This partnership aims to equip youth with the skills and opportunities needed to become agents of change and innovators in their communities,” Rokas said.
Expanding Youth-Led Environmental Initiatives
The EU’s support will play a pivotal role in scaling up YELL’s initiatives, including the upcoming Conservocation Programme, which is set to launch in 2024. This programme will connect 20 young Malaysians with local environmental organizations, offering hands-on experience through mentorship and work-shadowing over six months.
Datuk Ali Tan Sri Abdul Kadir, Chairman of ALAM, hailed the EU’s involvement as a vital step in reaching grassroots and marginalized communities. “ALAM has long championed youth empowerment in the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. This new partnership with the EU underscores the importance of inspiring local climate action across Malaysia, including remote and indigenous areas,” he said.
Additionally, YELL is set to introduce its flagship Seed Grant programme later this year, offering up to RM 100,000 per project to support innovative, youth-led climate action initiatives. The programme is expected to further broaden the scope of youth engagement in environmental issues across the country.
A Collaborative Approach to Youth Empowerment
Since its inception in 2022, YELL has provided a platform for youth to actively engage in climate and environmental policy discussions. The programme has directly supported 15 youth-led projects and reached nearly 850,000 individuals through awareness campaigns, fostering dialogue between young people and policymakers.
UNDP Malaysia’s Resident Representative, Niloy Banerjee, highlighted the importance of the EU’s backing in expanding YELL’s reach. “This partnership marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to combat climate change. With the EU’s support, we aim to inspire, educate, and empower young Malaysians to take meaningful action within their communities,” Banerjee said.
UNICEF Representative Robert Gass echoed these sentiments, stressing the impact of climate change on young people and the need for their inclusion in shaping solutions. “UNICEF is proud to partner with YELL, where young people can contribute to climate action and raise their voices for a sustainable future,” Gass said.
Supporting Malaysia’s Climate Future
As part of its broader mandate to promote sustainable development, the EU’s support for YELL is a key component of its external action, focused on fostering climate resilience and social equity. By investing in youth-driven initiatives, the EU, UNDP, and UNICEF aim to create long-lasting environmental solutions in Malaysia, ensuring that young people are at the forefront of this change.
Since its launch, YELL has not only created opportunities for youth but also strengthened the ecosystem of actors supporting environmental action, from grassroots movements to policymakers. With the EU’s financial and strategic backing, YELL is poised to extend its influence and deepen its impact in the years to come.
For more information about YELL and its initiatives, visit: yell.my