Kuala Lumpur:Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak has called for leaders who are ready to take action on environmental issues even before a full consensus is reached, emphasizing the need to bear short-term costs for long-term benefits and to form enduring coalitions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Nazrin highlighted the importance of honesty in addressing barriers and the need for collaboration across various sectors such as science, finance, law, and faith to tackle environmental crises. He made these remarks during his speech at the opening of the Global Tipping Points Conference 2026.
The Sultan pointed out that Asia's environmental vulnerability is closely linked to its capacity for leadership, referencing the region's urban experimentation, clean energy initiatives, and traditional community stewardship. He stressed that Asia is actively working on its environmental challenges, despite progress being uneven.
Sultan Nazrin also noted the impact of shifting monsoons, warming seas, and heat on communities, particularly farmers in the Mekong Delta and fishing communities in the Coral Triangle. He urged the conference participants to heed the experiences of these affected communities, as well as the younger generation who will face the consequences of current decisions.
Highlighting conservation success in Royal Belum, Perak, Sultan Nazrin mentioned a significant reduction in poaching, with no active snares recorded since 2022, and successful breeding seen in the local tiger population. He emphasized that true stewardship is reflected in tangible outcomes rather than just declarations.
Sultan Nazrin addressed the rise of artificial intelligence, cautioning that technology choices will significantly influence societal and environmental outcomes. He advocated for 'double literacy' to ensure that human values and technology coexist harmoniously, enhancing both human capabilities and technological potential.
The conference aims to produce a declaration outlining decisions made in Kuala Lumpur and plans to be advanced at the next conference in Potsdam. Sultan Nazrin stressed the urgency of acting now, as environmental recovery could take decades, and encouraged participants to commit to positive changes.
The event, running from today until October 15 at Sunway University, is the first of its kind in Asia, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore how positive tipping points can drive environmental and social transformation.