Johor Bahru, Malaysia, November 13, 2023 – Today marks the inauguration of Asia Pacific Climate Week 2023 (APCW), a pivotal gathering in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The event is bringing together stakeholders, experts, and policymakers from across the region to address the increasing climate challenges in the Asia Pacific. The event aims to showcase innovative solutions and foster cross-border cooperation in addressing the escalating climate challenges gripping the Asia Pacific.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Malaysia’s Federal Minister for Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, emphasized the global nature of the climate crisis, calling for collective action. Malaysia, contributing 0.69% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is committed to a 45% reduction by 2030 and aspires to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The nation’s efforts include the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the National Industrial Master Plan, emphasizing electrification, energy efficiency, and accelerated renewable energy deployment.
In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of successful transformation, stating, “For the transformation to be truly successful, it must be fair and equitable, allowing everyone to enjoy its benefits. A just transition is a key pillar of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and keep the goal of limiting it to 1.5 degrees Celsius alive.”
Royal Patron and Sustainable Initiatives
At the ceremony, Permaisuri of Johor, Her Royal Highness Raja Zarith Sofiah binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, also officiated the Johor Sustainability Centre (Sustainable Johor) and witnessed the launch of the Johor Green Deal. As the Royal Patron of the Centre, Her Majesty will engage in collaborations related to public policy proposals for sustainability and ESG, sustainable finance, and the economy, along with the development of green industries.
Tackling Climate Challenges Head-On
The participants in APCW will be working together to tackle the challenges posed by climate change with innovative and sustainable solutions. Their contributions will be vital to the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference COP28, focusing on crucial issues such as energy transition, climate finance, and loss and damage.
Johor’s Commitment to Global Collaboration
Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Menteri Besar of the Malaysian State of Johor, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change. The state of Johor is committed to collaborating with various stakeholders across borders to implement practical solutions under the Johor Green Deal framework and the newly launched Johor Sustainability Centre.
APCW 2023 will be centered around four main themes: energy systems and technology, urban and rural development, infrastructure and transportation, land use, oceans, food, and water, socio-economic dimensions, health, and livelihoods. These tracks will explore the potential benefits and obstacles of taking action on climate change.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary’s Perspective
The Asia Pacific has the potential to spearhead the global fight against climate change, according to Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change. With its growing economies and boundless energy, the region can blaze a trail towards a greener future, spurring innovation and promoting sustainable technologies. If the Asia Pacific can capitalize on its strengths and work together towards a common goal, it can set an example for the rest of the world to follow in the fight against climate change.
Global Collaboration for APCW 2023
APCW 2023 is hosted by the Government of Malaysia’s State of Johor in collaboration with the Malaysian federal government. Organized by UN Climate Change in collaboration with global partners including the UN Development Programme, the UN Environment Programme, and the World Bank; and regional partners: the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the Asian Development Bank, and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei is supporting APCW 2023 as a national partner.
Kanni Wignaraja, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, highlighted the potential of the region to contribute to the Paris Agreement goals. Dechen Tsering, the Regional Director and Representative for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Environment Programme, stressed the importance of collective efforts in addressing the consequences of climate change in the Asia-Pacific region.
APCW 2023 presents a crucial opportunity to collaborate and explore sustainable solutions for the region ahead of COP28.
About APCW
The Asia Pacific Climate Week (APCW) enables regional collaboration on climate action and accelerates the implementation of the Paris Agreement. APCW 2023 is the final Regional Climate Week event this year, following the Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya; the Middle East and North Africa Climate Week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and the Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week in Panama City, Panama. These events have facilitated dialogues, knowledge sharing, and partnerships across the regions in the run-up to COP28.
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