SEPTEMBER 2025
Sarawak, London School Of Economics Forge Landmark Partnership For Sustainability, Natural & Human Capital
LONDON, UK – 23rd SEPTEMBER 2025 – The Government of Sarawak and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance collaborative work on sustainability, climate action, and human capital development.
The signing ceremony, held at the LSE campus and witnessed by The Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, marks a significant step in integrating world-leading academic expertise into Sarawak’s sustainable development policies.
The MoU is a direct outcome of a strategic roundtable held on 1 May 2025 between the Sarawak delegation and academics from LSE's Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change, the Global School of Sustainability, and the Southeast Asia Centre.
In his remarks, the Premier of Sarawak emphasised that natural capital is a cornerstone of the state’s development strategy.
“With over 60% of our land still under forest cover, our rainforests, rivers, and biodiversity are among our greatest strengths,” he said.
“These assets position Sarawak as a significant carbon sink for the planet. But conserving them requires recognition of their global value and stronger international cooperation. Natural capital must be valued, protected, and integrated into sound policy,” the Premier said.
He stressed that safeguarding natural capital must go hand-in-hand with developing human capital. The new partnership with LSE is designed to bridge this gap through several key initiatives, including:
· Executive education for Sarawak’s civil service officers.
· Scholarship opportunities for Sarawak students.
· Joint research on climate, energy, and sustainable development.
· Embedding environmental economics and ESG leadership into policymaking.
Looking ahead, the collaboration will explore applying the concept of ‘planetary boundaries’ to Sarawak’s governance. This science-based approach aims to ensure the state’s development remains within safe environmental limits while fostering innovation and prosperity.
“This MoU represents more than a partnership.
“It is a framework that brings together our natural capital and our human capital, combining Sarawak’s strengths with LSE’s expertise to create knowledge, policies, and solutions that matter locally and globally,” the Premier pointed out.
The Premier expressed his sincere appreciation to LSE President and Vice Chancellor Professor Larry Kramer and the LSE academics for their commitment to the partnership.
This agreement with a world-renowned institution underscores Sarawak’s commitment to building a greener, more resilient, and inclusive future grounded in sustainability and knowledge.
Among those accompanying the Premier were State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohammad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation, Dr. Annuar Rapa’ee, State Attorney-General, Dato Sri Saferi bin Ali and Chief Political Secretary to the Premier, Dato Fazaruddin Abdul Rahman.