Kota Kinabalu: A one-day conference bringing together government agencies, educators, non-governmental organisations, child advocates and community leaders to strengthen child protection efforts in Sabah will be held on July 4 at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
The Child Safeguarding Conference Sabah 2026 – Building Communities that Protect is jointly organised by the Child Safeguarding Initiative Sabah (CSI), the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and Majlis Perkhidmatan Masyarakat Sabah (MPMS).
The conference aims to boost public understanding of child safeguarding, promote shared responsibility in protecting children, and produce concrete recommendations to strengthen child protection initiatives across the state.
CSI Chairperson Sonia Chin said child safeguarding could not rest on any single organisation’s shoulders.
“It requires collaboration across different sectors including law enforcement, education, healthcare, social services, community organisations, and families,” she said.
“Through this conference, we hope to encourage open discussions on current challenges, available support systems, gaps in services and practical strategies that can better protect children in our communities.”
The programme will feature speakers and panel discussions involving professionals and stakeholders working in child protection, child rights, enforcement and community support services.
Alongside the conference, organisers will also launch two educational publications developed as part of a child rights awareness initiative, namely a Parent Guidebook on Child Safeguarding and a Children’s Storybook on Child Safeguarding.
Both resources are intended to be made widely accessible to parents and families throughout Sabah.
CSI Sabah is a collaborative platform comprising seven member organisations: Persatuan Tadika Sabah, Persatuan Perkhidmatan Taska Sabah, Persatuan C.H.I.L.D, Pacos Trust, Anak, Good Shepherd Services and Kinabalu International School.
The initiative was established to advocate for stronger child protection policies and raise awareness on safeguarding issues affecting children in the state.
Members of the public, community organisations and interested parties may contact the organisers at 016-802 1900 or visit the CSI Child Safeguarding Initiative Sabah Facebook page for further information on participation and collaboration opportunities.
