8 FEB | MALAYSIA’S CLIMATE COMMITMENTS POST-COP28
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) launched a report on Malaysia’s participation at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or known as UNFCCC-COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates government from 30 November to 12 December 2023, in Dubai.
The Malaysia Pavilion, themed "Going Beyond: Green Growth, Resilient Community, and Sustainable Planet," emerged as a hub for collaboration, featuring 138 international and local speakers, 60 side events, sealing 17 MOUs and partnerships. The Ministry also announced US$9 billion in potential business leads achieved at the Malaysia Pavilion during the historic COP28. The strong presence of Malaysia underscores our dedication to fostering international partnerships and sustainable development for future-proofing the nation.
“As we chart our course towards a high-value, high-knowledge, and high-wage economy, the partnerships forged and opportunities unlocked during COP28 lay the basis for a future where innovation, sustainability, and economic prosperity coexist harmoniously,” said YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability at the launch of the Post-COP28 Report.
The panel discussion session also discussed on the COP28 decision as part of the UAE Consensus. The national negotiator team was actively involved during the negotiation session held at UNFCCC-COP28 which include: the global stocktake, mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, climate financing, just transition and carbon market.
“In my National Statement made during the Second High-Level Segment at UNFCCC-COP28, I have highlighted our commitments to address climate change and additional support from developed countries is needed if we are to increase our ambitions considering the delicate balance between maintaining economic growth and further reducing emission. This is in line with the UNFCCC’s main principle of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capability (CBDR-RC)”.
During the event, NRES also revealed the Ministry's ongoing efforts in developing the Climate Change Bill. The proposed legislation is envisaged to be instrumental in enabling various mechanisms to tackle the issues of climate change while also containing provisions to strengthen and complement existing policies related to climate change. The main process involved includes analysing various climate policies and legislation, and conducting extensive stakeholders’ engagement.
“We are applying a whole-of-nation approach in developing this bill to ensure that it is holistic while taking into account the concerns and input of all stakeholders involved. We have identified the challenges ahead and remain optimistic for the draft climate change bill to be ready in 2025”.
Proactively aligning national goals with global efforts, the Ministry has formulated the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Roadmap and Long-term low emissions development strategies (LT-LEDS). The forthcoming National Adaptation Plan, awaiting approval from the Green Climate Fund, reflects Malaysia's dedication to safeguarding the nation against the impacts of climate change.
The Ministry underscored the imperative for collaboration between the public and private sectors, a central theme that surfaced at COP28. The dynamic involvement of private-sector and third-sector stakeholders at the Malaysia Pavilion during COP28 exceeds traditional boundaries, exemplifying Malaysia's collaborative spirit. This inclusive engagement aligns seamlessly with the nation's holistic whole-of-nation approach, vividly illustrated by the national concept of Malaysia Madani.
This was made possible by the support from sponsors and partners, including TNB, UEM, PNB, CitaGlobal, Securities Commission Malaysia, Capital Markets, BPMB, Maybank, CIMB Bank, MRCB, OVAL, Kloth, Tetra Pak, and Decarton.
Malaysia awaits with anticipation as COP29 is set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, with ongoing discussions to actualise a more sustainable and just future for the global community. The nation remains committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient and environmentally conscious world.