DUBAI: The Raja Permaisuri Agong has espoused hope for governments and parents to listen to the youth especially on efforts in climate action. Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah said her own son, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, reminded her that her generation did not do enough for the environment.
"Sadly, many of the negative impacts to the global climate have been a consequence of my generation.
"There is hope in our youth. He tells me that it's the responsibility of the young generation to address the negative impacts of climate change," she said in her royal address at the Turkish Pavilion in conjunction with the United Nations' 28th Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai today.
Tunku Azizah shared her thoughts on why the youth should be at the forefront of climate action.
She described Tengku Hassanal, who is the Crown Prince of Pahang, as "a young man, who believes in unity for action and delivery" and "a man so passionate about climate action, presevation and conservation."
Tengku Hasanal is also participating in COP28 and has been attending the conference since COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.
She hoped that Tengku Hasanal's efforts will encourage the other youth in the rest of Malaysia and the rest of the world to do their part in climate action.
"I listened to my son, and I am so grateful. My eyes are wide open, and I have learned so much from him and his peers. Perhaps it's true that my generation did not pay attention to climate change, but it is not too late for us. "Alhamdulillah, we have our youth who have the energy and vision to make those changes to save our planet. Let us encourage and support them and make their future sustainable, bright, and hopeful," she said.
Tunku Azizah said when Tengku Hasanah was much younger, he told his mother how he wanted to protect his surroundings, the jungle and the animals. He has been hard at work protecting Pahang's environment and addressing the issue of food security by modernising traditional agricultural practices.
Tengku Hasanal has also produced a blueprint for conservation for Pahang. On the ground, he is preserving a large peat swamp and is also focused on protecting the Malayan Tigers, a critically endangered species.
He also persuaded the Pahang government to gazette a large area of land to be the first tiger reserve in Southeast Asia.
Tunku Azizah said most significantly, with the support of The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, who understood his son's vision, Tengku Hasanal also persuaded the state government to commit to be Net Zero by 2030.
"He says that Pahang will be net surplus by 2050 due to our high forest cover and low emissions industries so 2030 is a realistic aspiration. I am proud of him not just because he is my son but because he is young and represents our country's youth. Insha'Allah he will achieve his vision."
Tengku Hasanal will be giving keynote speeches at both the Malaysia and Singapore Pavilions on "Forging Green Economy" and on "Biodiversity and Water".
"He tells me that he is excited to share the progress which he has made in the last 12 months. He does his mother and country proud. Even I have to say that is pretty amazing progress to happen within one year.
This is a young man who has been talking about recycling and making Pahang a garden state since his young days. He is walking the talk and has made many angry and unhappy but he stands firm and is not swayed by them. I am so proud of him and stand by his side for our planet's future," she said.