Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2025

Living Landscapes: Charting a Sustainable Future

Kuching, Sarawak | 18 - 20 June 2025

Our vision

RAYS 2025 is the second edition of the Rainforest Youth Summit, dedicated to empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. This year’s theme, Living Landscapes: Charting a Sustainable Future, explores the crucial relationship between humans and the natural world. Through the wisdom of indigenous communities, innovation, and collaborative solutions, RAYS aims to foster actionable change for a sustainable and equitable future.

About the Summit

The RAYS 2025 Summit is returning to the heart of Borneo, hosted in Sarawak’s vibrant capital, Kuching. Known for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking biodiversity, and forward-thinking sustainability initiatives, Sarawak is the ideal backdrop for the second edition of the summit dedicated to empowering youth, amplifying indigenous voices, forging cross-cultural collaboration and harnessing the linkage between sustainable tourism and climate justice. Sarawak is home to iconic cultural sites, cutting-edge green innovation, and vibrant local communities working to preserve the region's unique environment and traditions. We are thrilled to work alongside local and international partners to deliver a transformative experience that resonates on a global stage. The Summit will welcome over 600 youth from across ASEAN and the world, gathering to collaborate, share ideas, and inspire action across Sarawak’s iconic venues.

Program

Hikmah Exchange

Registration & Welcome Networking

Welcome

9:30
-
10:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Plenary Session: Indigenous Knowledge for a Sustainable Future

Plenary Session

10:30
-
11:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Interactive Workshops day 1

Workshop

11:30
-
12:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Lunch Break & Networking Tables

Networking

12:30
-
14:00
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Opening Ceremony & Keynote Address

Ceremony

14:00
-
15:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Panel: Women Leaders in Sustainability

Panel Discussion

15:30
-
16:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Fireside Chat: Local to Global –Scaling Impact

Fireside Chat

16:30
-
17:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Keynote: Adaptive Innovation in Sustainable Tourism

Keynote: Adaptive Sustainable Tourism

9:30
-
10:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Interactive Workshops Day 2

Workshops: SDGs, Stories, Biodiversity

10:30
-
12:00
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Lunch Break & Lightning Talks

Lunch & Lightning Talks

12:00
-
13:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Plenary Session: Financing a Just Transition

Plenary: Financing a Just Transition

13:30
-
15:00
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Interactive Workshops Day 2

Workshops: Nature, Inclusive, Tourism

15:00
-
16:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Panel: Youth Leadership in Climate Action

Panel: Youth Climate Leadership

16:30
-
17:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Keynote: Building Resilient Communities Through Collaboration

Keynote: Resilient Communities

9:30
-
10:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Summit Showcase: Delegates in Action

Showcase: Delegates in Action

10:30
-
11:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Closing Plenary: Charting the Path Forward

Closing: Charting the Path

11:30
-
12:30
Learn More
Hikmah Exchange

Lunch & Ticket Collection for Rainforest World Music Festival

Lunch & Music Festival Tickets

12:30
-
14:00
Learn More
Sarawak Cultural Village

Rainforest World Music Festival (Day 1)

Rainforest World Music Festival

14:00
-
Learn More

We acknowledge that RAYS 2025 takes place on the lands of the Dayak peoples of Sarawak, with deep respect for the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities. Their wisdom and heritage are central to this summit's mission of living in harmony with the rainforest.