KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 5): Three UK-Malaysia partnerships have received grants worth RM166,000 for climate change projects.

In a statement yesterday, the British Council said the A.R.C. Challenge Malaysia Grant aims to create dialogue and contextualise climate change, youth and cultural rights between the UK and Malaysia.

It said A.R.C. stands for "Awareness, Resilience and Collaboration" in response to climate change.

The virtual event yesterday was attended by British High Commissioner to Malaysia Charles Hay along with Professor Dr Joy Jacqueline Pereira from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Alison Tickell, Director of London-based charity Julie's Bicycle, together with attendees from youth groups, students, non-governmental organisations and the general public.

British Council said the grants go to applicants who propose UK-Malaysia collaboration projects in response to climate change and offer innovative and interdisciplinary solutions that create awareness and enhance resilience among youths.

The three partnerships that have successfully secured the grant were:
• Weaving Hopes for the Future by KLIMA Action Malaysia and Students for Global Health from the UK.
• Visioning The Future & Story Telling for Climate Change project by neOOne Associates and SEA International CIC in Scotland.
• Biji-Biji Initiative and Falmouth University's project.

Hay said whether it is through education, technology, the arts, sciences or law — young people far and wide are tapping into their skills and wisdom to speak up for climate action.

"Climate change is not just the role of scientists and researchers, and not just the strategic priority of governments and policymakers, or the economic consideration of corporate players — we are all affected by the impacts of climate, and some more so than others," he said.

British Council Malaysia director Jazreel Goh said the British Council will continue to bring awareness of climate change issues with more activities leading to the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and beyond.

"We will increase young people's access to dialogues and debates on climate change beyond typical climate change circles and help global leaders and policymakers understand the needs and concerns of young people.

"'We believe that the youths have the power to change and improve our current system and that collaborations across sectors and cultures will play a crucial role in tackling climate change," she said.