Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, and Salam Malaysia Madani

Esteemed Guests, Distinguished Colleagues, and Fellow Advocates for Climate Action.

INTRODUCTION

1. I would like to welcome and thank everyone for taking the time to join us today for the soft launch of the Malaysia Pavilion at COP28.
2. The COP28, which will take place from 30 November—12 December 2023 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates is the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In turn, the UNFCCC is the foundational treaty that has provided a basis for international climate negotiations since it was established, including landmark agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015. In effect, the COP is the UN’s annual event—and hence the world’s—premier forum on climate change.
3. This COP will have added significance because it will conclude the first-ever global stocktake on the Paris Agreement, a process initiated in COP26. The stocktake will allow countries and stakeholders to discern where progress is and is not being made towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, including “..where the world stands on climate action and support, identifying the gaps, and working together to chart a better course forward to accelerate climate action.”
4. Malaysia has been actively participating in the COP meetings because we see our presence there as signalling that not only do we take climate change seriously within our borders, but also recognise that international cooperation is crucial to address it.

Ladies and gentlemen,

CLIMATE CHANGE AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO MALAYSIA

5. There should be no doubt that climate change is a threat to all mankind and that Malaysia is not exempt. Extreme weather has threatened water supplies and food security, leading to human migration and health implications. This is essentially a cycle that needs to be put to rest or at least slowed down until alternatives are found.
6. In 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a stark warning about the immense challenge of limiting global warming to 1.5° C. Five years later, the Sixth Assessment Report has reaffirmed the reality of climate change impacting our lives, both in terms of our economy and the most vulnerable in our societies.
7. For instance, climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of floods and exacerbates the existing vulnerabilities of Malaysia's agriculture sector by introducing increased variability and unpredictability in weather patterns. This in turn has negative socio-economic impacts. Climate change is real and it will destroy us if nothing is done to address it.

MALAYSIA’S COMMITMENTS TO THE PARIS AGREEMENT

8. As a party to the Paris Agreement, Malaysia has committed to reduce its economy-wide carbon intensity (against GDP) of 45% in 2030 compared to 2005 levels. We also aspire to achieve net-zero GHG emissions earliest by 2050.
9. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) has undertaken a large number of initiatives to help the country meet these goals. These include:
   1. The drafting of the Climate Change Act, which is expected to be completed in 2025;
   2. The developing of the National Carbon Policy, to offer direction on carbon market mechanisms;
   3. The preparation of the Nationally Determined Contribution Roadmap (NDC Roadmap) and the Long Term-Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS);
   4. The strategic formulation of the National Adaptation Plan;
   5. Steering the energy transition towards a low-carbon energy system through electrification, energy efficiency and accelerated Renewable Energy deployment, including via the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR);
   6. Maintaining no less than 50 per cent of our nation’s land under forest cover;
   7. Efforts to fortify disaster risk reduction strategies including against floods and landslides; and
   8. A commitment to water security and to ensure all Malaysians have access to reliable, sufficient, clean and quality water supply and sanitation services.

WHY THE COP MATTERS

10. But as I highlighted earlier, international cooperation matters. No country can stand alone. The COP gatherings are the cornerstone of our collective effort to combat climate change, a global challenge that transcends borders and demands unified action.
11. The COPs provide a platform for countries to come together and negotiate agreements for ambitious climate action. They help us to foster international collaboration, shaping policies and agreements that bind us together to pursue a sustainable future. In the COPs, we can assess progress, share knowledge, and engage civil society, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in our mission.
12. Crucially, the conferences set the global agenda and mobilise climate finance, enabling the transition to a low-carbon economy and strengthening resilience against climate impacts. This is especially important considering how, when all is said and done, money is a major stumbling block to climate action and energy transition.
13. The COP conferences should hence not be seen as such another round of international meetings but the heartbeat of our commitment to safeguard our planet for future generations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

PREPARATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS TOWARDS COP28

14. In order to elevate Malaysia’s participation at COP28, the Ministry has set up the Advisory Panel of Climate Change, which consists of key ministries, Government-linked Investment Companies (GLICs), Government-linked Companies (GLCs), the private sector, finance institutions and academics. A Consultation Panel on Climate Change has also been established to obtain views and input from NGOs, CSOs, vulnerable communities and youth.
15. Both panels play a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge, policy decisions, and societal needs. By bringing together a diverse range of expertise and perspectives, they contribute to more informed, effective, and holistic approaches to tackling climate change, as well as related policies, strategies, and actions, including for COP28.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM: ROAD TO COP28

16. To build momentum, the Ministry also organised a climate change forum aimed at fostering further discussion and gathering diverse perspectives on Malaysia's agenda for COP. The 5 September 2023 Climate Change Forum: Road to COP28 was extremely productive and we obtained a lot of valuable feedback.
17. This included the importance of a just transition in ensuring fairness during climate action, the challenges and interventions needed, such as carbon taxation as well as the “Loss and Damage” issue and compensation. In terms of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), the role of sustainable development and technology innovation in enhancing climate change actions was highlighted, as well as the importance of engaging and empowering stakeholders for successful NbS implementation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

MALAYSIA AT COP28

18. What we ultimately want from our participation at COP28 is a lasting legacy of climate action and sustainable development. We also see it as an opportunity to showcase Malaysia’s dedication to environmental stewardship and climate action at this high-profile international gathering, which will likely dominate headlines and the eyes of the world.
19. The Malaysia Pavilion is not just a physical structure but a clear demonstration of our commitment and hard work in addressing climate change. It will embody the spirit of collaboration, which is a crucial aspect of Malaysian culture, highlighting that we need and are coming together as a nation, recognising that the battle against climate change requires a collective response.
20. The critical topics and issues that will be showcased at the Malaysia Pavilion at COP28 will include the just energy transition, mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable finance. These are in keeping with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stirring words at the last UNGA, when he stressed that “…we have not a moment to lose” when dealing with climate change”.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS KEY

21. At this juncture, I would like to acknowledge the role and importance of partnerships with other nations, stakeholders, and organisations in ensuring the success of our participation. These collaborations are an indispensable pillar as they signify our recognition that climate change is a global challenge facing all humanity.
22. Through these partnerships, we harness diverse expertise, innovative ideas, and best practices, enriching our climate policies and strategies. Beyond knowledge exchanges, they provide access to crucial resources, including financial support and cutting-edge technologies, particularly benefiting developing nations.
23. Such alliances amplify our commitment to combat climate change, sending a resounding message of unity to the world and encouraging broader participation. Partnerships are the linchpin of our mission to address climate change comprehensively and effectively.

Our soft launch today marks just the beginning of our journey leading up to COP28. In November, Malaysia will proudly host the Asia Pacific Climate Week. By taking a leading role in this crucial event, we are again showcasing our commitment to addressing climate challenges on a regional and global scale.

Ladies and gentlemen,

CALL TO ACTION

24. Malaysia will be an active participant in COP28. I sincerely hope that our Pavilion this year will be meaningful and impactful, serving as a catalyst for fruitful discussions and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable and resilient future, as well as showcasing our own stories and narrative on climate change.
25. Let me also reiterate that our efforts at addressing climate change will continue long after the conference is over. Indeed, it is the work of generations. We see this process as crucial to Malaysia’s future. We hope that the rakyat will support our COP28 efforts, as well as engage, in their own communities, in collective action and innovative solutions to meet climate action challenges.
26. As we gather on this global stage, we must unite in purpose to resolve and confront the pressing challenges of climate change. Our planet faces unprecedented threats, and the time for action is now.
27. The challenge of climate change is stern. There is much cause for concern and there must be a sense of urgency. But COP28 is also an opportunity for us to come together, to combine our strength and refuse to go quietly into global degradation and destruction.
28. Together, we can make a difference, and I encourage each of you to bring your insights, expertise, and determination to this pivotal event. Let’s seize this moment to catalyse meaningful change and create a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come.

Ladies and gentlemen,

CONCLUSION

29. As we embark on this journey towards COP28, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all partners for their unwavering support for Malaysia’s participation at COP28 and for our country’s Pavilion.
30. Your dedication and commitment are the bedrock upon which we build our collective efforts to combat climate change. Through your tireless work and collaboration, we have laid the foundation for a conference that holds great promise.
31. With your continuous engagement and the spirit of cooperation that defines this gathering, I am filled with optimism for our shared mission. Together, we can overcome the formidable challenges that lie ahead, and we will chart a course towards a sustainable, prosperous and resilient future for all. Thank you.