Penang Green Agenda 2030 Launch
Closing remarks by the Chief Minister of Penang YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow & Chairman of Penang Green Council for the Penang Green Agenda 2030 Launch
27th February 2021
Ladies and gentlemen,
I thank your commitment and precious time on a weekend to be here today. This is proof that you will and can take the first step towards embracing a brighter future for Penang. I am truly delighted because today marks the most exciting moment for our Penang Green Agenda (PGA) project since it started in 2017. Ten working groups were invited to give ideas and to share their professional expertise in 10 different focus areas throughout the process which will make PGA the ultimate document for reference when we talk about a greener Penang. These 10 reports are now completed, approved and fully endorsed by the Penang state government.
Aligned with the Penang2030 vision to make Penang “A Family-Focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation”, we are really delighted with the results of the PGA deliberation process and it is now time to start on the implementation process. We need to bear in mind that structural, institutional, mindset and behavioural changes take time. The results of most of the initiatives will only be apparent in a few years’ time. However, as you have heard from our panel just now, no matter the cause, time or effort, we will work hard on delivering our promise to bring Penang to greater heights. The Penang state government will also be implementing various projects that will bear results in the short term.
As the chief minister of the state, I strongly urge all government departments to collaborate with each other as well as with the non-government entities to achieve the goals that have been set out in the reports. We also welcome all State Government departments and agencies to take the Penang Green Agenda Report as a benchmark and reference point when drafting a new policy.
PGC will, in the shortest time possible, form a coalition with government and non-governmental stakeholders to start the implementation process. Cooperation from departments should be forthcoming as all critical stakeholders were involved in the drafting of the reports. It is very important that we play our role no matter which sector we are in because we can always contribute towards a more sustainable and resilient Penang. Every effort by everyone counts towards Penang2030.
Therefore, I am looking forward to hearing more from our stakeholders and parties who took the initiatives to build a stronger bond between each other as a team or partners. At the same time, the Penang state government will continue to review and monitor the results as we will also make the necessary changes as and when the situation calls for it.
Last but not least, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in the entire process, especially the working groups and dedicated team of Penang Green Council who made today’s launching a success. Without the leadership and cooperative spirit behind this project, we won’t be able to reach out to such a wide audience in a short time. Well done to the team and keep up with your good efforts.
Action speaks louder than words! So, let’s be a part of the change by not just doing the right thing, but also doing it right. All 10 reports can be accessed at the Penang Green Council official website and feel free to browse through and share them with your team members.
Thank you for your time today. Please stay safe and have a pleasant day.