By Danial Dzulkifly
KLANG, Oct 10 — The state government has initiated a Voluntary Subnational Review (VSR) to systematically outline steps for achieving the objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda 2030.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Amirudin Shari said the review will be conducted in stages, with the first report detailing the various strategies to ensure Selangor meets its SDG targets.
“Through this report, Selangor will identify its success, challenges, and areas for improvement in our policies and programmes, for the prosperity of our people.
“That is why integrating this objective into our policies as well as state and local planning is crucial to ensure that these SDG goals truly provide economical, social and environmental impacts,” he said in his keynote speech during the inaugural Klang Sustainable Convention 2024 ESG for SDG, at the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) Convention Centre today.
The convention hosted by MBDK gathers local stakeholders, developers, and community organisations to discuss the best way forward to effectively adopt environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
VSR are reports that highlight progress made by the local municipalities and regional authorities in localising the SDGs, along with the obstacles they encountered in the process.
Amirudin said today’s convention is crucial to gather insights from various stakeholders on best practices in ESG to align with the SDGs.
Such initiatives emphasised how seriously the state government views critical issues such as climate change and environmental conservation.
“The execution of the ESG principles is the core of sustainable transformation that is being done nationwide and in Selangor. ESG is no longer a slogan but a holistic framework to ensure economic development does not sacrifice the environment and the prosperity of the people,” he said.
The Menteri Besar added that among the main examples of the state’s commitment to ESG practises is the conservation and cleaning efforts of and around Sungai Klang, which serves as a benchmark for the nation’s environmental conservation efforts.
The state government has set an ambitious goal of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050.
This involves collaboration between both private and public sectors to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while transitioning towards renewable energy sources.
He also pointed to the state's successful efforts in environmental conservation, including the planting of 100 million trees across Selangor and the adoption of sustainable farming practices, which have resulted in high crop yields.
