RAYS 2026 invites young people, Indigenous leaders, scientists, and creatives to come together in Kuching, Sarawak — nestled within one of the planet’s most vital rainforest regions. Over three days, we will share knowledge, listen deeply to community and land-based wisdom, and explore practical pathways for community wellbeing, environmental care, and intergenerational solidarity.
This summit is a space to learn from one another, understand our responsibilities to land and people, and imagine futures rooted in respect, care, and collaboration.
Whether you’re a youth, a community member, a researcher, or a practitioner — RAYS welcomes you. Registration will open soon. We aim to make participation accessible and inclusive, offering support for youth from remote, Indigenous, or under-resourced communities.
Join us in Kuching, Sarawak, for a thoughtful and inclusive gathering that brings youth, Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, and creatives together to learn from one another.
Don't miss out — submit your interest to receive firsthand updates as soon as registration opens!
The RAYS ASEAN Access Fund provides support for young people across ASEAN who may face financial, geographic, or community-based barriers to attending the summit. Indigenous youth, rural and remote community youth, displaced youth, and those from under-resourced backgrounds who would benefit from participating in RAYS 2026 are encouraged to apply.
To ensure that participation is accessible, inclusive, and grounded in equity, the support assists ASEAN youth delegates in offsetting expenses, including:
Deadline: 30 March 2026
RAYS 2026 invites young people, Indigenous leaders, scientists, and creatives to come together in Kuching, Sarawak — nestled within one of the planet’s most vital rainforest regions. Over three days, we will share knowledge, listen deeply to community and land-based wisdom, and explore practical pathways for community wellbeing, environmental care, and intergenerational solidarity.
This summit is a space to learn from one another, understand our responsibilities to land and people, and imagine futures rooted in respect, care, and collaboration.
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Our world stands at a crossroads — biodiversity loss, climate change, and cultural erosion pose growing challenges, especially for communities on the frontlines. RAYS offers a space where young people and Indigenous custodians gather to reflect, learn, and collaborate.
By centering youth voices and Indigenous knowledge, we believe in building community-led, culturally grounded responses to ecological and social challenges. RAYS 2026 is an opportunity to reconnect with the land, honour traditions, and co-create new pathways forward.
led by youth, Indigenous speakers, and subject-matter experts, offering multiple perspectives on environmental, cultural, and community issues.
that encourage hands-on exploration of themes such as climate understanding, community wellbeing, sustainable practices, and cultural knowledge.
where young people shape the discussions based on their lived experiences, priorities, and hopes for the future.
for networking, cross-cultural dialogue, and building long-term relationships among youth, communities, and organisations.
that allow participants to pause, reconnect, and ground themselves throughout the summit experience.
providing space to share traditions, memories, and lived realities across ASEAN and beyond.
RAYS 2026 is shaped by three key thematic areas that anchor our conversations and learning environment - helping ensure we remain grounded in place, people and purpose:
Our partnerships are driven by shared purpose: to nurture thoughtful, informed, and connected youth who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world around them.
Support youth participation and help create a welcoming space where young people can learn, connect, and explore practical solutions for their communities and environments.
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Join us in shaping a thoughtful and supportive summit experience. Our volunteer opportunities will open soon for those interested in contributing their time and skills.
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Work with us to co-create meaningful learning experiences for young people through many ways: contributing knowledge, content, academic insight, or facilitation support — helping shape a summit that is grounded, inclusive, and enriching for all.
Find out moreWe respectfully acknowledge that this summit takes place on the ancestral lands of the Indigenous peoples of Sarawak, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Malay communities. We honour their enduring connection to this land, their cultures, and their traditions, and recognise their continued contributions to the richness of Sarawak's heritage.
