The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has confirmed its endorsement of the Rainforest Youth Summit 2026 (RAYS 2026), reinforcing the association’s ongoing commitment to youth engagement and sustainable tourism development across the Asia Pacific Region.
The summit, organised in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), will take place in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, from 24–26 June 2026. Positioned as a high-impact regional platform, RAYS 2026 will bring together young leaders, sustainability advocates and emerging changemakers from across ASEAN and beyond.
A Platform for Youth-Led Climate Action
RAYS has quickly evolved into one of the region’s most dynamic youth-focused sustainability gatherings. The programme is designed to move beyond conversation, encouraging participants to develop practical action plans that support climate resilience, biodiversity protection and inclusive community development.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid, reflecting on his experience at the previous summit, noted the strength of youth participation and the clarity of purpose among delegates committed to environmental stewardship. Through its endorsement, PATA will amplify the summit via its global student chapters and communications network, extending the event’s reach to the next generation of tourism professionals.
For Sarawak, hosting RAYS is aligned with a broader strategic vision. STB CEO Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor has emphasised the state’s commitment to delivering a structured platform that connects youth, industry and community stakeholders in meaningful collaboration across ASEAN and the wider Asia Pacific region.
Connecting Youth, Indigenous Voices and Science
What differentiates RAYS is its interdisciplinary approach. The summit connects young delegates with indigenous leaders, scientists and creative practitioners. This framework ensures that sustainability conversations are grounded in lived experience as well as scientific expertise.
The programme will feature:
- Expert-led plenary sessions
- Interactive lab workshops
- Community-grounded discussions
- Curated off-site excursions into Sarawak’s protected rainforest areas
The 2026 theme — Youth: Many Ways, One Planet — highlights the power of diversity in shaping collective climate solutions. It underscores the belief that environmental resilience depends on collaboration across cultures, disciplines and generations.
Timed with Rainforest World Music Festival 2026
The closing of RAYS 2026 will coincide with the opening of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026, one of Southeast Asia’s most recognised cultural events. Ranked among the Top 10 in the Transglobal World Music Chart’s 2025 Festival Awards, the festival provides a powerful cultural dimension to the sustainability dialogue, linking environmental protection with cultural preservation.
Sarawak’s Strategic Tourism Vision
This alignment reinforces Sarawak’s positioning as a destination where conservation, heritage and contemporary creativity intersect.
Established in 1994, the Sarawak Tourism Board serves as the marketing and promotional arm of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak. As Malaysia’s largest state on the island of Borneo, Sarawak promotes its distinct identity under the brand “Sarawak – More to Discover.”
Its development strategy is guided by the CANFF pillars — Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals — which collectively frame the state’s sustainable tourism roadmap. Through partnerships with Tourism Malaysia and international stakeholders, STB continues to expand Sarawak’s global footprint while maintaining strong commitments to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Access and Participation
Early bird registration for RAYS 2026 is open until 15 March 2026. In addition, the RAYS ASEAN Access Fund is available for eligible youth from the ASEAN region seeking financial support to attend.
The summit is funded and organised by the State Government of Sarawak and endorsed by ASEAN, PATA and UN Tourism — signalling strong institutional backing for youth-driven sustainability initiatives in the region.
For tourism professionals, educators and sustainability advocates, RAYS 2026 represents more than an event. It signals a generational shift — one where youth leadership is central to shaping the future of travel and environmental responsibility across Asia Pacific.
Further programme details are available at:
www.rainforestyouthsummit.com
