Malaysia actively engages in various Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) initiatives, and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) significantly promotes SDG-related activities. Inspired by this, I organized a workshop titled “Sustainable Development Goals: A Workshop for Changemakers” with the English Proficiency Test (EPT) students at IIUM. The goal was to create awareness and encourage meaningful discussions on key global challenges.
Focus Areas of the Workshop
In this session, I focused on five SDGs that I am actively working on:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education (with an emphasis on tech education)
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
To bring this initiative to life, I contacted three lecturers from IIUM and proposed organizing a development session. They were very supportive and agreed to facilitate the event. The workshop was attended by diverse students eager to learn and engage in discussions.
Celebrating Women’s Day
As part of the workshop, we also took the opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day, recognizing the importance of gender equality (SDG 5) and the contributions of women in various fields. This added a meaningful touch to our session, reinforcing the need for inclusivity and empowerment.
Interactive Game on SDGs
I introduced a fun and interactive game to make the session more engaging. I divided the participants into five small groups and provided them with **sticky notes labeled with the 17 SDGs ** and small picture cards. They matched the right picture with the corresponding SDG theme and placed it on the board.
This activity encouraged critical thinking and teamwork, helping participants understand the SDGs practically and engagingly. As a token of appreciation, I awarded small gifts to the winning group. Although I didn’t have many items, I had three notebooks from Youth Hub (2023), a non-profit organization. I gifted these notebooks to the three lecturers and sincerely apologized for giving them a previous year’s notebook. They were very understanding and appreciated the effort.
Sharing about Local Guides & Google Maps
During the session, I also took the opportunity to introduce participants to Google’s Local Guides program and Google Maps. I shared insights about the 10th anniversary of Local Guides and the 20th anniversary of Google Maps, explaining how they could contribute by adding valuable information to Google Maps.
Some participants showed great interest, and I was delighted to learn that a few had already joined the Google Malaysia Office cloud and educator event earlier.
A Meaningful Gathering
After the session, the lecturers generously provided food for all participants, including me. This created a warm and friendly atmosphere where we could continue our discussions and connect personally.
To conclude the event, we had a photo session with nearly 25 participants, including students and lecturers. The attendees came from different countries, adding a global perspective to our discussions.
Final Thoughts
I truly enjoyed organizing this knowledge-sharing session, where I could discuss critical global issues and introduce participants to Google Maps and the Local Guides program. Adding Women’s Day celebrations made the event even more unique, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in achieving sustainable development.
Challenge: SDGs in Action on Google Maps! 
Are you passionate about sustainability and making a difference? Let’s showcase places that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Google Maps!
How to Participate:
Share a Google Maps contribution (photo, review, or edit) highlighting how a place aligns with one or more SDGs.
Explain what makes the place unique—how does it contribute to sustainability, equality, or well-being?
Include the Google Maps location so others can explore and contribute too!
Which SDG Does Your Contribution Support?
SDG 1: No Poverty – Places supporting poverty reduction initiatives
SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Food banks, community kitchens, sustainable farms
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Hospitals, wellness centers, mental health resources
SDG 4: Quality Education – Schools, libraries, educational programs
SDG 5: Gender Equality – Women’s empowerment centers, safe spaces
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Water purification projects, sanitation facilities
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Solar power stations, renewable energy projects
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Ethical businesses, job training centers
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Tech hubs, smart city initiatives
SDG 10: Reduced Inequality – Refugee support centers, inclusive workplaces
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Green spaces, public transport improvements
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Zero-waste stores, sustainable brands
SDG 13: Climate Action – Reforestation projects, climate advocacy centers
SDG 14: Life Below Water – Marine conservation efforts, plastic-free beaches
SDG 15: Life on Land – National parks, wildlife sanctuaries
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Human rights organizations, legal aid centers
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Organizations collaborating
Let’s map the world with purpose!
#SDGsOnMaps #MapForSDGs #10YearsofLocalGuides #20YearsofGoogleMaps #WomenAtLocalGuides