At the “2024 Global Youth Leadership Programme” forum held in Okinawa, Japan, Edwin Hsiao, Asia Pacific Business Director of《The Icons》, emphasized to the global youth leaders, “The role of media is not only as a transmitter of information but also as a catalyst for social change.” He urged participants to deeply consider how they can use their actions and the power of media to integrate sustainability into every aspect of life.
This year, the event’s main sponsors, Jiaxin Enterprises and Hotel Collective, also showcased their sustainability practices at the forum. Jiaxin Enterprises demonstrated how the chemical industry can achieve emission reductions and resource efficiency through data technology, while Hotel Collective supported the growth of young leaders by providing resources and space for sustainable exploration.
“We cannot wait for change to happen; we must each become the force driving change,” Edwin Hsiao stressed. Sustainability is not just a goal but a way of life and a responsibility. He encouraged young people to take proactive actions to influence others and become the core force driving global sustainable development.
Media: The Key Driver in Amplifying Sustainability Voices
Edwin Hsiao further explained that media plays an indispensable role in sustainability education. Taking《The Icons》as an example, by connecting global leaders from the business, government, and academic sectors, media not only amplifies the voice of important issues but also accelerates the transformation of ideas into real actions by businesses and organizations.
“Media is the bridge to change. Through《The Icons》’s reporting and the execution of global forums, we demonstrate how to integrate sustainability into decision-making and encourage more participation through co-creation with leaders from different sectors,” Hsiao noted. The power of media lies not only in presenting facts but also in driving society toward a better future.《The Icons》tells stories based on individual corporate cases, showcasing how companies successfully achieve sustainability transformations, showing the public that sustainability is not just an unreachable concept, but a practical path that brings positive impacts.
For example,《The Icons》recently reported on how a chemical company reduced carbon emissions through innovative technology while improving operational efficiency, becoming a model of industry transformation. These reports not only inspire more businesses to explore the possibilities of sustainability but also help the public understand the importance of such actions:
“Media carries the responsibility of educating, influencing, and connecting. When media can accurately and profoundly explain sustainability issues and touch hearts with compelling stories, it can truly promote societal awareness and action on sustainability.”
Young Leaders: The Torchbearers of Sustainability Challenges
At the end of the forum, Edwin Hsiao offered a special message to the next generation of leaders in attendance. He stated that future workplace competition will increasingly depend on the understanding and application of sustainability issues, and the flexibility and innovative spirit of the younger generation are key to overcoming sustainability challenges.
“Don’t wait for change, instead, make yourself the change,” Hsiao said. He hopes young leaders will view sustainability as an integral part of their career development, continuously improving through learning and practice. “No matter which industry you choose to pursue, you should think about how to integrate sustainability into it, starting with small steps to create significant change.”
Through《The Icons》’ international network and influence, he hopes to plant the seeds of sustainability in more hearts, and let those seeds grow into forces that change the world in the future. “The story of sustainable development has not yet been written, and each of you can be the author of the next chapter.”
Making a Company’s Sustainability Achievements Visible to the World
Corporate sustainability efforts are receiving increasing attention, but many companies struggle to gain exposure for their achievements, preventing their successes from being widely recognized. This is exactly the situation《The Icons》aims to change.
《The Icons》acts as a loudspeaker for corporate sustainability, transforming businesses’ sustainable achievements into impactful stories through deep cooperation with international media. This allows the voices of companies and leaders to be heard globally, highlighting their efforts in environmental protection, resource conservation, and social responsibility.
Through real-life case studies,《The Icons》 showcases how companies from various industries, such as manufacturing and technology, effectively reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, and practice sustainable development goals in their actions. Edwin Hsiao hopes these interviews not only increase public understanding of sustainability efforts but also inspire more business leaders to join the movement:
“Transparency and trust are the cornerstones of corporate success.《The Icons》serves as the bridge between businesses and the international community, providing a platform for companies to showcase their sustainability achievements. Through our reports, the visions and technological innovations of business leaders are brought into the spotlight, further inspiring others to engage in sustainable practices.”
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