(Bandar Seri Begawan, 12th) Speaking at the 21st Brunei International School (ISB) Global Issues Conference (BGIC), Brunei's Crown Princess Sarah emphasized the significant importance of a sustainable and more sustainable energy transition for the country, considering it a major national priority.
At the conference, the Crown Princess stated that the current agenda aims to ensure that the country's development process is aligned with its natural heritage.
“This is a commitment to ensure that progress always walks alongside heritage,” she said. She also noted that through the debate, delegates are exploring how to ensure sustainable energy solutions for all, while staying true to the role of being environmental stewards.
She added, “This responsibility goes beyond borders; energy and environmental challenges know no boundaries. We live in a shared world, and every decision made anywhere affects everyone.” At the conference, she pointed out that this is a global issue that requires joint efforts as well as cooperation with patience and a spirit of sincere understanding.
In her subsequent remarks, she encouraged all participants to confidently express their views while maintaining an open mind and embracing different perspectives. “True leadership is not about standing alone, but about listening and moving forward together. It is these qualities that will help us shoulder responsibilities in the future.”
At the opening of the conference, the Crown Princess also mentioned that the BGIC conference is always her most anticipated moment each year as it provides an opportunity to meet with representatives from various schools. “Over the past twenty years, I have witnessed an ambitious educational project develop into a lasting tradition,” she said. She further pointed out that the age of 21 symbolizes maturity in some cultures, and this conference reflects this fully matured vision.
She also emphasized that representatives from more than 20 schools, both domestic and international, took part in the conference, demonstrating the widespread fostering of leadership. “This platform remains student-led, proving that while we celebrate maturity, we are also witnessing the growth of leadership.”
She noted that the focus of this year's conference is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7—‘Affordable and Clean Energy’, which is central to our future. She specifically mentioned that in Brunei, our identity is closely tied to our natural heritage and that we take pride in our environment while bearing the responsibility of safeguarding this legacy to ensure it can be passed on to the next generation.
She further stated: “In our culture and faith, we always understand that heritage is a ‘trust’, meaning it is a sacred responsibility. Our resources are not only for our use but under our stewardship, we ensure their transmission to future generations.”
She also mentioned that national visions such as ‘Brunei Vision 2035’ and the Green Economy Framework are built upon this sense of responsibility.
Finally, she expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Energy Department under the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei for their continued support of young leaders. She also extended thanks to the Australian and British High Commissions in Brunei for supporting this year’s theme.
She thanked all industrial partners and sponsors, saying their contributions are investments in the potential of the younger generation and expressed her appreciation for their annual commitment to the conference.
In closing, she encouraged all student representatives attending to use these few days to learn from each other and to gain lessons from real-world experiences of global energy security, ensuring that each discussion is guided by a rational and sincere sense of global responsibility.
At the conference, the Crown Princess stated that the current agenda aims to ensure that the country's development process is aligned with its natural heritage.
“This is a commitment to ensure that progress always walks alongside heritage,” she said. She also noted that through the debate, delegates are exploring how to ensure sustainable energy solutions for all, while staying true to the role of being environmental stewards.
She added, “This responsibility goes beyond borders; energy and environmental challenges know no boundaries. We live in a shared world, and every decision made anywhere affects everyone.” At the conference, she pointed out that this is a global issue that requires joint efforts as well as cooperation with patience and a spirit of sincere understanding.
In her subsequent remarks, she encouraged all participants to confidently express their views while maintaining an open mind and embracing different perspectives. “True leadership is not about standing alone, but about listening and moving forward together. It is these qualities that will help us shoulder responsibilities in the future.”
At the opening of the conference, the Crown Princess also mentioned that the BGIC conference is always her most anticipated moment each year as it provides an opportunity to meet with representatives from various schools. “Over the past twenty years, I have witnessed an ambitious educational project develop into a lasting tradition,” she said. She further pointed out that the age of 21 symbolizes maturity in some cultures, and this conference reflects this fully matured vision.
She also emphasized that representatives from more than 20 schools, both domestic and international, took part in the conference, demonstrating the widespread fostering of leadership. “This platform remains student-led, proving that while we celebrate maturity, we are also witnessing the growth of leadership.”
She noted that the focus of this year's conference is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7—‘Affordable and Clean Energy’, which is central to our future. She specifically mentioned that in Brunei, our identity is closely tied to our natural heritage and that we take pride in our environment while bearing the responsibility of safeguarding this legacy to ensure it can be passed on to the next generation.
She further stated: “In our culture and faith, we always understand that heritage is a ‘trust’, meaning it is a sacred responsibility. Our resources are not only for our use but under our stewardship, we ensure their transmission to future generations.”
She also mentioned that national visions such as ‘Brunei Vision 2035’ and the Green Economy Framework are built upon this sense of responsibility.
Finally, she expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Energy Department under the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei for their continued support of young leaders. She also extended thanks to the Australian and British High Commissions in Brunei for supporting this year’s theme.
She thanked all industrial partners and sponsors, saying their contributions are investments in the potential of the younger generation and expressed her appreciation for their annual commitment to the conference.
In closing, she encouraged all student representatives attending to use these few days to learn from each other and to gain lessons from real-world experiences of global energy security, ensuring that each discussion is guided by a rational and sincere sense of global responsibility.