Investing in the betterment of children is not merely a moral obligation but also an economic necessity, said Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg.
He said research has shown that early investments in education and health yield significant returns, not only for individuals but for society.
“Social policy plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. It is not merely a safety net; it is a foundation for sustainable development.
“By investing in social protection systems, we can provide support to the most vulnerable populations, including migrants, slum dwellers and those affected by climate change,” he said in his speech at the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) Malaysia Regional Social Policy Conference in Kuching today.
The text of his speech was read out by Sarawak Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Regional Social Policy Conference is a two-day conference which starts today, focusing on the importance of investing in children's future, while the @KitaConnect Forum on Nov 9 will highlight young leaders championing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Abang Johari said that, in Sarawak, the state government has made significant strides in enhancing its social protection framework with initiatives aimed at ensuring that no child is left behind.
He said since 2020, Sarawak has introduced postnatal assistance for every mother who gives birth to a child in the state, and also an endowment fund aims to help Sarawak children in preparation for higher education.
“Unicef reports that for every dollar invested in early childhood development, there is a return of up to US$12 in economic benefits.
“This is a compelling argument for why we must prioritise our investments in children. The future workforce of our region depends on the decisions we make today,” he added.
- Bernama
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