SDG 17 – PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

17.2 – Relationships to support the goals

17.2.1 – Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy

UKM’s Involvement in SDG Policy Development

UKM worked closely with ministries and the Malaysian government to develop SDG policies, which involved identifying problems, challenges, and formulating corresponding policies and strategies.

1. Implementation Plan of the National Geopark – National Government

In 2023, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) collaborated with the Ministry of natural resources and environment Malaysia to develop related policies through developing and implementing national geopark policies. This policy was created as a comprehensive guide to ensure that stakeholders at both the Federal and State agency levels implement holistic and systematic state geopark development management towards recognition at the National Geopark Level and at the global level.

This document also outlines aspects of the preservation and conservation of sites (geological, biological and cultural heritage) that have been identified along with the involvement of various related stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of geopark.

UKM has played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of national geoparks in Malaysia, particularly through its Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI). In 2002, UKM established the Langkawi Research Centre (PPL), now known as the Geopark Research Centre (PPG), to focus on research related to natural resource development for tourism, emphasizing effective ecotourism and geoheritage conservation.

In this collaboration was the establishment of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark in 2007, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. UKM’s research and strategic planning were instrumental in this achievement, working closely with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development and conservation of geoheritage resources.

2. National Geopark Development Plan 2021-2030 (PPGN 2021-2030)

This policy serves as a roadmap for the National Geopark Development Plan for the years of 2021-2030. Its purpose is to guide and direct stakeholders, including agencies at the Federal and State Levels, towards the systematic and managed development of geoparks.

This document also outlines the elements of preservation and conservation of the sites that have been identified along with the involvement of various relevant stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the geopark.

UKM has been instrumental in the development and implementation of Malaysia’s National Geopark Development Plan 2021-2030 (PPGN 2021-2030). This strategic plan aims to guide stakeholders, including federal and state agencies, in the systematic development of geoparks, with the goal of achieving national or global recognition.

UKM’s Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) has conducted extensive research on geoparks, focusing on sustainable development, conservation, and community engagement. This research has informed the strategies and actions outlined in PPGN 2021-2030. UKM also collaborated with the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG) and other agencies to develop policies that align with the objectives of PPGN 2021-2030, ensuring that geopark development is integrated into national physical development planning. Through workshops, seminars, and training programs, UKM has played a key role in building the capacity of stakeholders involved in geopark development, ensuring that they are equipped to implement the strategies outlined in PPGN 2021-2030 effectively.

The production of authority documents, policies and the main source of guidance for the state government and stakeholders, especially in the implementation of the development and management of the National Geopark in the future which is better managed and systematic. Therefore, this engagement session was held to get the best input and views from invited representatives, which are Associate Prof. Dr. Sharina and Associate Prof. Dr. Tanot Unjah who are involved directly in Geopark Development and Management activities at the National and UNESCO Global Geopark levels.

The document is an invitation letter from the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG), dated November 10, 2023, including Associate Prof. Dr. Sharina and Associate Prof. Dr. Tanot Unjah from UKM. This event is intended to recognize members of the working team who contributed to the preparation of documents for the National Geopark Development Plan 2021-2030 (PPGN 2021-2030) and the National Geopark Implementation Plan (PLGN).

3. Others

UKM’s involvement extends to policies such as the Muqarrabun Kelantan Disabled Persons Policy, Strategic Plan for the Digitization of the Registrar of the Federal Court of Malaysia 2021-2025, MADANI Malaysia Strategic Plan, Amendment to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) Act., National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 and Action Plan for Enhancing Malay as the Language of Knowledge in Public Higher Education Institutions 2023-2030 contributing to are silient national framework. By identifying challenges, advising on policy development and providing workshops for adaptive management, UKM strengthens SDG-aligned initiatives, positioning itself as a key partner in shaping a sustainable future for Malaysia.

1. Muqarrabun Kelantan Disabled Persons Policy

Dr. Nurhafilah Binti Musa from Faculty of Law, UKM has worked with Ukekwa of the Kelantan Government to enact Muqarrabun Kelantan Disabled Persons Policy. The policy was drafted as an expression of commitment that relevant parties in the effort to develop potential-based and self-ability of individuals with disabilities.

2. Strategic Plan for the Digitization of the Registrar of the Federal Court of Malaysia 2021-2025

Ts Dr Hasimi Sallehuddin from Faculty of Information Technology and Science, UKM involved in development of Strategic Plan for the Digitization of the Registrar of the Federal Court of Malaysia 2021-2025 collaboration with The Chief Court Registrar Federation of Malaysia. The scope of the development of this plan requires use and implementation ICT is under the responsibility of The Chief Court Registrar Federation of Malaysia. Development of the plan based on the needs of the ICT ecosystem that includes four domains (Business, Data and applications, ICT infrastructure and security, Governance and ICT capabilities).

3. MADANI Malaysia Strategic Plan

Dr. Muhamad Azwan Abd Rahman from Institute of Malaysia and International Relations (IKMAS), UKM has worked with the Prime Minister’s Department to draft the MADANI Malaysia Strategic Plan. MADANI is a synthesis of the Malaysian style, combining existing practices with new methods designed to deal with new issues and uncertainties. MADANI’s six core values ​​are broken down into an interrelated and integrated framework of policies and philosophies, with each reinforcing the others. MADANI was inspired based on the concept of willingness to accept change, taking into account the suggestions of all levels of society with the desire for recovery through substantive reforms for the sake of a more advanced and prosperous Malaysia.

4. Amendment to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) Act.

Dr. Noor Aziah Mohd Awal from Faculty of Law, UKM has been appointed as a member of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission in the amendment of the Amendment to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) Act. SUHAKAM is empowered and mandated under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 [Act 597] to advise the Government on matters relating to human rights including the issue of statelessness in Malaysia.

5. National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irman Bin Abdul Rahman appointment as task force member (technical member) enhancement and harmonisation of the National Nuclear Technology Policy 2021-2030. This policy is intended to set a strategic direction for development of nuclear technology until the year 2030. This is in line with national goals in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Country (DSTIN) 2021-2030 to become a high technology country. The strategies and initiatives outlined in this policy emphasize creating a sustainable national nuclear technology ecosystem as well as forming a solid foundation in mainstreaming the peaceful use of nuclear technology in Malaysia

6. Action Plan for Enhancing Malay as the Language of Knowledge in Public Higher Education Institutions 2023-2030

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Zalina Harun worked on an Action Plan for Enhancing Malay as the Language of Knowledge in Public Higher Education Institutions 2023-2030 collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education. 4 Objectives of the Action Plan to Dignify the Malay Language as a Language of Knowledge in IPTA 2023-2030.

  • Cultivating the Malay language as a language of knowledge
  • Create graduates who are proficient in the Malay language
  • Realizing the Malay language as a channel for national development
  • Strengthen the role of the Malay language as a source of reference