Malaysia to make its presence felt in COP29

11 November 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is preparing for a significant presence at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.

With a delegation of over 250 members, including policymakers, government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), private businesses, NGOs, and enthusiastic youth representatives, Malaysia aims to showcase its comprehensive commitment to advancing global climate action and regional sustainability through its dedicated Malaysia Pavilion.

The Pavilion, themed "Shift for Sustainability – Climate Action Now!", will highlight Malaysia's strategic vision and its holistic approach to climate action, aligning with COP29's overarching theme, "Enhance Ambition, Enable Action."

As the incoming ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is well-positioned to play a leading role in promoting both regional and global climate agendas. The country is dedicated to fostering greater inclusivity and sustainability, advocating for a nation-focused narrative that amplifies regional voices at COP29.

Moreover, through its participation in COP29, Malaysia aspires to establish itself as a premier destination for green investments by implementing supportive policies and embracing a collaborative mindset, thereby paving the way for sustainable growth and innovation.

Leading the Malaysian delegation, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stated Malaysia is ready to confront transformation head-on, regardless of the challenges they may face.

"We are eager to unite with the global community, pushing the boundaries to achieve bold sustainability goals and build a resilient climate future for all."

The Malaysia Pavillion aims to present its seven core focus areas that detail its pathway toward achieving net-zero emissions and reinforcing national sustainability:

They are committed to enhancing its sustainable finance ecosystem through climate financing and carbon market opportunities to support decarbonisation, attract investment across ASEAN, and showcase leadership in green finance while inspiring international partnerships for net-zero pathways.

Emphasis’s is also on integrating sustainability into trade practices through circular economy strategies, clearer supply chain guidelines, and a unified carbon trading framework to foster collaborations that strengthen climate governance and promote sustainable trade.

As one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, Malaysia prioritises community participation in managing natural resources and biodiversity conservation to engage global partners and promote community-led ecological stewardship.

They will spearhead sustainable energy innovations, including carbon capture, hybrid solar projects, and interconnected regional grids, as outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), to invite investment that supports the country's green energy transition and strengthens regional energy security.

They will look into integration of advanced technology with traditional indigenous knowledge to promote sustainable practices and enhance climate resilience across key sectors, aiming to position the country as a leader in scalable climate tech solutions.

They will also focus on adaptive urban planning aims to build resilient, climate-conscious communities that prioritise social equity, with the goal of gaining regional support for sustainable urban infrastructure and fostering inclusive growth.

Central to Malaysia's strategy they will continue to empower youth, women, and indigenous communities through capacity-building programmes that tackle food security, flood risks, and rising sea levels, with the goal of advocating for inclusive frameworks that amplify the voices of underrepresented groups.

Through these strategic clusters, Malaysia will showcase its areas of interest, and leadership in climate action, solidify its climate leadership, bolster international partnerships, and invite investments aligning with its green growth strategy.

Since 2010, Malaysia's green economy has attracted over RM10 billion in investments and created 5,579 green jobs through the Green Technology Financial Scheme (GTFS).

Malaysia's participation at COP29 aims to reinforce its commitment to the green economy as outlined in Budget 2025 and support the proposed carbon tax that will be introduced in 2026. This tax will further drive the adoption of cleaner technologies and attract sustainable investments, strengthening Malaysia's leadership in green growth.

The Malaysia Pavilion at COP29 will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, collaborating with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) as the executing agency. The Pavillion and our country's participation are proudly supported by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF), Felda Global Ventures Holding Berhad (FGV), SD Guthrie Bhd, Malayan Banking Berhad, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad, Kloth Cares and De Carton.