Conclusion

     We have come to our final stop about Sustainable Development, I'm going to miss writing blogs. Actually, I'm glad that I've tried writing a blog because of this assignment. I can't wait to do more and talk about other important subject matters and consequently share more knowledge and help other people with my own writings.  

    The summarization for Journal 3 is, universities have a big role in maintaining the sustainability of the world. This is because the university is a place for the future generation to grow and develop as a person who puts importance to the Sustainable Development Goals. Even though there are many challenges in developing a sustainable world, we should not put an end to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. We should all strive together and never lose hope in making the 2030 agenda into reality by executing the Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable world.

    To close the journey in writing Road to a Sustainable Development (Journal I, II, and III), I would like to say Thank you to my lecturer Miss Hazi for opening my mind, heart, and soul about the importance of Sustainable Development. 

Challenges to Sustainable Development

    Sustainable Development can be challenged through social, economic, and environmental aspects. First of all, societal inequity in Malaysia due to racial issues can affect Sustainable Development. Racism has always been a problem in a multi-ethnic country like Malaysia. Malaysia consists of Malay, Chinese and Indian. Some Malaysians feel oppressed because of the concept "Ketuanan Melayu" or Malay Supremacy. They mostly despise Malay because Malay is the majority and holds political power. One of the major racial issues that had been brought up is the race-based policies that are used by the political and business elites to enrich themselves at the expense of others (Nair, 2021). This is surely not line up with some Sustainable Development Goals especially SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

    Malaysia is currently facing economic instability due to the pandemic. High employment rates can be seen drastically impacting the economy because of Covid-19. What's more interesting is the female unemployment rate is higher than males even though they are more academically qualified based on the latest news in Malaysia. The unemployment of young Malaysian women is spread over various regions in Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Terengganu, Sarawak, and Pahang in close succession (Menon, 2021). This is not aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and some other Sustainable Development Goals.

    As a person who lives in Selangor, I have been experiencing major water scarcity for the past years. This problem has not yet been solved by the authorities or even society. Sometimes, I need to be alert with the current updates by the Air Selangor. I remember that every time we will have a shortage of water, my mom will buy multiple bottles of mineral water and remind us to fill the containers, buckets, and bathtub with water before its been cut off. One time, my brother and I had to take water from the pool and also wait for the Syabas truck to come and supply us with water. Now, we already have a big container that is pre-filled with water in our bathroom and we are not surprised anymore with the water cuts as we are already used to them. This is not in sequence with the SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and some other Sustainable Development Goals as well.

Roles of Universities for Sustainable Development

    As a university student, I try my best to be active in achieving the SDGs by studying hard in education and joining co-curricular and extracurricular activities through clubs, societies, and more. I can say that so far, I pay attention to class and consequently get good grades. However, during the pandemic, It has been hard for me to focus due to internet problems, house chores, and family affairs. Even during Covid-19, I became an official member of the French, Japanese, and the Independent Performing Arts Clubs. I joined the Japanese Division of Language Club activities like Anime Drawing Class and Anime Drawing contest in regards to the Japanese Month event. I also have a position in the publication and promotion sector for the Independent Performing Arts Clubs. I made posters and videos for the events that they organize. The particular event Melakoni Selirat Atma involves female and male actors. The events that are organized would usually have collaborations with other clubs, societies, and organizations. The events  I join and help in organizing would always consider achieving some of the SDGs like SDG 3 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and so more. I hope that learning my best in education and joining these activities can help me develop good skills to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the university and soon to the outside world.

 
    I think that my university which is IIUM currently doing its best in achieving Sustainable Development Goals as they give importance to the 2030 agenda. The university also supports and encourages the student to join and organize activities that are aligned with the global goals. I'm also happy with one particular assignment that my university likes its students to do that is Reflective Journal. In my opinion, Reflective Journal gives an opportunity for the students to share their thoughts and ideas on particular subjects. It opens a platform for the students to think critically, generate new ideas and relate their lives with the courses that they are taking. I'm very enthusiastic that I have been given a chance to pour out my views on Sustainable Development for this particular assignment that I'm doing. This made me more aware that I need to be a person that gives more importance to Sustainable Development. I'm also blessed that IIUM includes Usrah as one of the required courses. This shows that spirituality is also important in creating a sustainable world and society. It is evident that my university is trying its best to create students that implement the Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on developing the students' knowledge, skills and attitude. 

Introduction

    Hi, It's me again and I hope that you're in the pink of health. I can't wait to share some more topics regarding Sustainable Development.

    For Journal 3, I'll be discussing the Roles of Universities for Sustainable Development and Challenges to Sustainable Development.