@KitaConnect Forum 2024
A Celebration of Youth and Adult Partnerships
The @KitaConnect Forum 2024, hosted by UNICEF Malaysia, was an unforgettable event that brought together young leaders, educators, and organisations to foster youth empowerment and champion sustainable development. With an agenda packed with inspiring sessions, creative presentations, and meaningful reflections, the forum highlighted the boundless potential of Malaysia’s youth.
Let’s take a journey through the day’s most impactful moments.
Discovering Passions: The Discover Your Cause (DYC) Session
The day began with the Discover Your Cause (DYC) session, where participants explored their personal passions and aligned them with opportunities to drive meaningful change. Guided by experienced organisations, the session provided a safe space for youth to reflect on their goals, find their voices, and connect with causes that resonated deeply with them.
This session not only inspired young participants but also underscored the importance of self-discovery in creating a lasting impact.
Young Educators Challenge (YEC): Showcasing Youth-Led Solutions
The Young Educators Challenge (YEC), a flagship initiative of the forum, was the highlight of the morning. This year’s competition saw a record 534 Young Educators from 14 states come together to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through creative and impactful videos.
- Secondary Category Presentations: The finalists presented their ideas on fostering youth-adult partnerships to address pressing SDG challenges. Their innovative solutions and passion for change left the audience inspired and the judges with the tough task of selecting winners.
- Post-Secondary Category Presentations: Following a lunch break, the spotlight turned to the older participants. Their presentations delved even deeper into sustainable development issues, showcasing a level of maturity and depth that awed everyone present.
The YEC was a testament to the power of youth-led innovation and the potential of collaborative partnerships between generations to tackle global issues.
Learning Through Experience: KKBS Students Sharing Session
One of the standout moments of the forum was the KKBS Students Experience Sharing session, where students from Sabah shared their perspectives on adult-youth partnerships and community impact. Their heartfelt narratives provided invaluable insights into the importance of collaboration and the potential for intergenerational solutions to local challenges.
This session was a powerful reminder of the importance of giving young voices a platform to be heard and valued.
Reflecting on 70 Years of UNICEF in Malaysia
As the event approached its conclusion, Sanja Saranovic, representative a.i. of UNICEF Malaysia, delivered a moving closing speech. She honoured UNICEF’s 70 years in Malaysia, celebrating its legacy of empowering children and youth while emphasizing the role of the younger generation in driving future progress.
Her speech resonated deeply with participants, serving as both a reflection on past achievements and a call to action for the changemakers of tomorrow.
Celebrating Talent: Awards Ceremony
The day concluded with a joyous awards ceremony, where the exceptional contributions of YEC finalists were recognized. The ceremony celebrated their creativity, dedication, and commitment to addressing the SDGs, bringing the forum to a triumphant close.
Participants also took time to reflect on their journeys throughout the forum, highlighting the meaningful connections and lessons they gained.
A Tribute to Changemakers
The @KitaConnect Forum 2024 was more than just an event—it was a celebration of Malaysia’s vibrant youth and their potential to create a better world. From uncovering personal passions to presenting innovative solutions and celebrating achievements, the forum encapsulated the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment.
To the young leaders, educators, and organisations who participated: thank you for your dedication and passion. Your commitment to fostering change is a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Here’s to the changemakers of today and tomorrow—together, we can achieve the extraordinary.
