High-Level Opening Remarks Set the Tone for a Week of Action
14th November 2023: In an electrifying start to day 2 of APAC Climate Week, Mr. Donald Cooper, the Director of Transparency at UNFCCC, kicked off the proceedings with a rallying cry for action. “We have had a day where we were wearing ties and suits, and today is where we roll up our sleeves and let’s get to work,” exclaimed Cooper, setting the tone for a week dedicated to meaningful discourse and decisive action.
Visioning the Future: A Round Table Discussion
The Climate Week, spanning from November 13th to 17th serves as a platform for individuals to envision the future. Cooper emphasized the significance of the round table discussions, stating, “We are all sitting in a round table here in Johor, which means it is us who decide now on how we want our future to be with the development and progress.”
Following Cooper’s opening remarks, distinguished figures such as Dina Umali Deininger, Akiko Yamamoto, Miriam Hinostroza, and Sangmin Nam took the stage. Each holds a high-ranking position and has played a pivotal role in the ongoing fight against climate issues. The consensus was clear: the initiatives and actions taken align seamlessly with the Paris Agreement. With some even already surpassing the outlined plans.
The Pillars of Action: Setting the Stage for COP28
The second day of the event focused on crucial pillars of action, setting the stage for the upcoming COP28 in Dubai in December. Participants delved into discussions on:
- Energy and Industry
- Cities, Settlements, Infrastructure, and Transport
- Land, Ocean, Food, and Water
- Societies, Health, Livelihoods, and Economies
Voices from the Coastal Frontline: Maldives’ Struggle
In a session addressing land, ocean, food, and water, Ms. Lisama Sabry brought attention to the plight of the Maldives. She revealed that less than 10% of the country consists of land. And the majority relies on coastal and marine life. The current climate crisis has significantly impacted daily activities. This leads to the protection of nearly 20% of marine coastal sites, with a vision to reach 40% soon.
Mr. Ajay Jha stressed the urgency of action, stating that even widespread tree planting won’t reverse climate change. While commendable progress has been made in climate initiatives, there remains a lack of concrete evidence on emission reduction. He emphasized, “It won’t be a global climate assessment if not each country in the world partake in the initiatives,” underscoring the need for universal participation in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Medini Iskandar: A Landmark Collaboration for Sustainable Development
Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) has set a groundbreaking milestone in sustainable urban development by launching the first net-zero-carbon central business district (CBD) in the ASEAN region. The project is the result of a strategic collaboration between IIB, Maybank Banking Berhad, and the Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC). This exclusive initiative was announced during the Asia-Pacific Conference on the Green Economy (APCW) 2023 opening ceremony.
At the launch event, YB Tuan Raven Kumar A/L Krishnasamy, the state tourism, environment, heritage, and culture committee chairman, represented YAB Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Menteri Besar of Johor. The collaboration sets a precedent for future eco-centric urban planning, blending economic vitality with environmental responsibility.
State Governments Pave the Way for a Low-Carbon Future
Moderated by Dato’ Hasni Mohammad, Chairman of the Johor Sustainability Centre, the panel unanimously acknowledged the influential role state governments play in catalyzing the shift towards a low-carbon future. By attracting investments, providing training for households and small businesses on deploying home-based solar systems, and raising awareness among residents, state governments can be instrumental in steering communities toward sustainability.
Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, unveiled on July 27, 2023, emphasizes transforming the economy and creating business opportunities in the energy sector. The roadmap’s Phase 1 introduces 10 flagship catalyst initiatives, aiming to attract investments, generate job opportunities, and propel the country towards its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050.
Also read: Asia Pacific Climate Week 2023: Accelerating Climate Action and Regional Collaboration
Empowering Youth for Sustainable Energy Transition
Amidst the diverse discussions, a pivotal conversation unfolded, shedding light on the vital role of youth in driving sustainable energy transition. The session was hosted by Asian Youth Empowerment for COP and YOUNGO NDCs WG. It delved into empowering the younger generation for the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) through sustainable energy transition.
This focused discussion aimed to engage youth actively in the critical process of implementing NDCs. By fostering a connection between the aspirations of the youth and the broader goals of sustainable development. This session emphasized the transformative power of young voices in shaping a resilient and eco-friendly future.
A Unified Commitment: Voices for Change
As the event is in progress, it becomes a commitment for everyone to ensure their voices resonate during the upcoming COP28 in December. The emphasis is on amplifying regional voices, addressing local issues, and fostering a sense of inclusivity in climate initiatives. In the words of Cooper, “Your voice matters, your township problems matter, your nation’s voice and issues matter.” With active participation, the APAC Climate Week aims to catalyze initiatives that involve everyone in shaping a sustainable future.
