In Malaysia, the Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF) stands as a beacon of hope and a vital force in the fight against climate change. As a non-profit organisation (NGO), GGAF is uniquely positioned to focus on a singular goal — nurturing sustainable development across Asia by empowering today’s youth through education and encouraging individual climate action. Gone are the days of performative campaigns that led to ineffective or superficial outcomes; GGAF is committed to creating lasting, meaningful impact.
Mission and Vision
Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), GGAF’s mission is to inspire the younger generation to take active roles in environmental protection. The foundation aligns its efforts with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), ensuring that its programmes are impactful and aligned with global sustainability standards.
Strategic Action Plan 2030
GGAF’s future direction is outlined in its Strategic Action Plan 2030, which focuses on four key areas:
1. Greening Education for Environmental Preservation
- Implementing the Eco-Schools Programme in over 1,000 schools and 50 higher education institutions across Malaysia.
- Engaging youth through the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programme.
- Introducing low-carbon protocol initiatives in schools and higher learning institutions.
- Developing Tiny Forests and Rainwater Harvesting initiatives in educational settings.
2. Green Infrastructure Planning
- Developing Green City Action Plans (GCAPs), including greenhouse gas inventories and climate risk assessments, for cities throughout Malaysia.
- Enhancing the capacity of local authorities to execute sustainable urban development strategies.
3. Promoting Green Lifestyles
- Launching the Eco-Schools Virtual Run across various Malaysian states.
- Mobilising 5,000 youths under the My Climate Action campaign.
- Introducing climate-conscious classrooms and environmental youth engagement programmes.
4. Strengthening Partnerships
Partnering with businesses to fund and implement sustainability initiatives across ASEAN.
Establishing networks such as the Eco-Schools ASEAN Network to foster cross-cultural collaboration and promote regional environmental awareness.
Impact and reach
Since its founding, GGAF has made remarkable strides in environmental education and youth engagement. As of 2023, its programmes have reached:
- 12,165 students
- 5,917 teachers
- 865 schools
- 99,182 participants
These numbers reflect the foundation’s unwavering commitment to cultivating environmental awareness and responsibility across generations.
Notable Initiatives
A standout initiative is the Eco-Schools Green Science & Technology Carnival, organised in collaboration with BASF PETRONAS Chemicals. Held in June 2024, the carnival drew around 1,200 students from 64 schools nationwide. It served as a platform for students to showcase their green innovation projects while interacting with industry experts, emphasising the role of science and technology in sustainable solutions.
Strategic Partnerships
GGAF’s success is reinforced by strategic collaborations with government bodies and corporate stakeholders. Partnerships with the Ministry of Education Malaysia and various corporate entities have allowed the foundation to expand its resources and reach, ensuring programme effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Looking Ahead
With the Strategic Action Plan 2030 as its compass, GGAF remains steadfast in its mission to empower youth and drive sustainable development across Asia. Through a combination of education, innovation, and strategic collaboration, the foundation is laying the groundwork for an environmentally conscious future.
For more information on Green Growth Asia Foundation’s initiatives or to get involved, visit greengrowthasia.org.
