KOTA KINABALU (TUE): IDS-UNICEF Roundtable Discussion On Climate Change And Children In Sabah To Inform Action Plan – Challenges in gathering data on the impact of climate change are among the challenges to be discussed at the Roundtable Discussion on Climate Change and Children organised by the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) in partnership with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Malaysia and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah on Friday, 10th February 2023 at IDS Hall, Wisma IDS, Kota Kinabalu.
“In Malaysia, rising sea levels and temperatures are causing more floods and shortages of food and water. Several information gaps are present when it comes to measuring climate impacts on Sabah on the macro and micro level. Data gathering is limited by logistical challenges especially in Sabah’s hinterland and rural areas. Furthermore, the data needs to be consolidated so it can be used efficiently to inform policy makers and researchers,” said Datuk Ts. Dr. Ramzah Dambul, CEO of IDS.
In Malaysia, climate change and environmental degradation impact the health and well-being of children mainly through water-borne diseases linked to floods, climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, health problems linked to air pollution and health risks from exposure to chemicals, hazardous substances and waste.
“Although children are the least responsible for the impacts of the climate crisis and environmental pollution, they bear the greatest brunt. It is imperative that we address children’s extra vulnerabilities to climate, environmental and disaster risks, and realise children’s rights to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment,” echoed Issmail Nnafie, Innovation and Sustainability Programme Specialist from UNICEF Malaysia.
This roundtable discussion will gather key stakeholders to explore and contextualize climate and environmental issues on the ground faced in Sabah.
For more information, please contact:
Shahrir Jublee, IDS Sabah, +6011 26688106, [email protected]
Rachel Choong, UNICEF Malaysia, +6012 2932690, [email protected]
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About IDS
The Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) is a non-profit organisation established by the Sabah State Government to undertake research pertaining to economic, social and public administrative development and to recommend policy proposals to the government.
IDS also organises conferences, seminars, workshops and discussions to seek public opinions on topics and issues which can affect political, economic and social stability in Sabah. For more information, please visit www.ids.org.my
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children visit https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/. Follow UNICEF on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
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