OPENING REMARKS

NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD

MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES
AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

FOR

APPRECIATION AND NETWORKING HI-TEA
FOR MALAYSIA PAVILION UNFCCC-COP30

13 FEBRUARY 2025 (THURSDAY)

THE MAJESTIC HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR

 

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Salam Sejahtera and Salam Malaysia MADANI.

1.        Yang Berbahagia Datuk Nor Yahati Awang

Deputy Secretary General (Environmental Sustainability), NRES

2.        Yang Berusaha Puan Shareen Shariza Dato' Abdul Ghani

Chairman, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC)

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

INTRODUCTION

1. I would like to begin by sincerely thanking everyone for attending today’s Appreciation and Networking Hi-Tea event for the Malaysian Pavilion at UNFCCC-COP30. It is truly a pleasure to be here today among esteemed partners and stakeholders who have played a crucial role in the success of the Malaysia Pavilion throughout the years.
2. As many of you know, Malaysia participated in the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC-COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11th to 22nd November 2024. The Malaysia Pavilion once again served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and showcasing our country’s commitment to climate action. Featuring 185 speakers from diverse backgrounds and 46 sessions covering critical topics on climate change, sustainability, and innovation, the pavilion played a significant role in fostering dialogue and raising awareness on key environmental issues.
3. Through insightful discussions, impactful initiatives, and strong partnerships, Malaysia demonstrated its leadership in addressing climate change on the global stage. The strong engagement and positive response from both local and international audiences further highlight the pavilion’s impact in advancing meaningful climate action.
4. On behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our strategic partners and sponsors for their invaluable contributions to the development of the Malaysia Pavilion at UNFCCC-COP29. I also sincerely thank the members of the Climate Change Advisory and Consultative Panels, along with the dedicated individuals who worked tirelessly to curate and deliver the innovative programmes and engaging activities showcased at the Pavilion. Your steadfast support and collaboration were key to securing our significant presence at these international climate conferences.
   
   Ladies and gentlemen,
   MALAYSIA’S COMMITMENT TO THE CLIMATE CHANGE AGENDA
    
5. As a signatory to the UNFCCC, Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to the Paris Agreement through transparency, accountability, and climate action. This commitment was demonstrated by the successful submission of the first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) on 31st December 2024, followed by its official launch on 23rd January 2025 during the COP29 Debrief Session.
6. In addition, we are now actively revising our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), ensuring alignment with global climate commitments. We are committed to finalising NDC 3.0 ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil in November 2025, reinforcing our dedication to advancing climate goals and supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
7. I am also pleased to announce that the Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) will be tabled to the Cabinet this week, providing essential guidance for industry players to align their net-zero strategies. Building on this momentum, the National Policy on Climate Change 2.0, launched last year, will continue to drive Malaysia’s climate agenda forward. Additionally, the enactment of the National Climate Change Bill has undergone extensive stakeholder engagement—including state governments, GLCs, GLICs, financial institutions, corporate entities, SMEs, NGOs, civil society organisations, and youth groups—ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive legislative framework. The bill is set to be tabled in Parliament this year, marking another milestone in Malaysia’s climate governance.
   
   Distinguished guests and potential partners,
   ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP 2025
    
8. As part of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, under the theme "ASEAN ONE VOICE: Accelerating Climate Action for Stewardship, Partnership, and Ownership," I am pleased to announce that NRES will lead the ASEAN Environmental Meetings this year.
9. These key engagements will commence with the 36th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN) from 28th July to 1st August 2025, followed by the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME) from 1st to 5th September 2025 in Langkawi.
10. These meetings will be critical in shaping ASEAN’s collective environmental agenda, strengthening regional cooperation, and advancing sustainable development goals. I encourage all stakeholders to stay engaged and contribute to these efforts as we work together to drive meaningful environmental action across the region.
11. These efforts will craft our way to Belém as we prepare to take a leading role in driving the region's climate agenda. At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Malaysia will present the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change, emphasising regional cooperation, financial support, and sustainable development pathways for ASEAN Member States.
12. This statement will reinforce a unified regional voice on global climate agendas. Additionally, we will advance the establishment of the Southeast Asia Alliance, or Group SEA negotiation bloc, enhancing Southeast Asia’s collective influence in international climate negotiations. Another key milestone will be the operationalisation of the ASEAN Common Carbon Framework, providing a harmonised platform to guide member states toward carbon neutrality through shared strategies and mechanisms. A core aspect of our strategy is the ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and strengthening our leadership in ASEAN’s climate efforts.
    
    Ladies and gentlemen,
    AHEAD OF COP30
     
13. Malaysia’s strong presence at COP29, with a delegation of 313 members, underscores our commitment to global climate action, ranking 27th in representation among other 195 countries. Marked as the world's largest climate event, our presence at COP were more than just being attendees, our delegates actively participated in discussions, negotiations, and collaborations, solidifying Malaysia’s role as a key player in advancing sustainable and climate-friendly practices on the international stage.
14. To sustain momentum in strengthening Malaysia's global image and building on the success of our pavilion at COP29, we will once again send our delegations and host a Malaysia Pavilion at COP30, scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil, from 10th to 21st November 2025. I am confident that this pavilion will be our most impactful yet.
15. Given Brazil’s stewardship of one of the world's largest tropical rainforests, COP30 will provide a crucial platform for us to showcase our commitments to environmental conservation and sustainable development. As a nation rich in biodiversity and home to vast tropical forests, including peatlands and mangroves, Malaysia understands the critical role of forest ecosystems in climate mitigation and adaptation. We have long been committed to sustainable forest management, conservation efforts, and innovative approaches to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
16. Furthermore, Malaysia remains steadfast in advancing renewable energy and low-carbon solutions, aligning with global ambitions to transition towards a net-zero future. By participating in high-level discussions, engaging with key stakeholders, and fostering collaborative partnerships, Malaysia aims to showcase its leadership in sustainability and reinforce its commitment to global climate action.
17. Hence, I invite all of our valued strategic partners to actively engage COP30. For those joining us for the first time today, the Ministry is excited to offer expanded opportunities to contribute to the development of the Malaysia Pavilion. Robust public-private collaboration is essential in demonstrating Malaysia’s whole-of-nation commitment to combating climate change. We view this as the beginning of long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships, and your decisive support will be pivotal. I look forward to welcoming you in Belém.
    
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
18. Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude to the sponsors of UNFCCC-COP29, state governments, private sector representatives, members of the Advisory and Consultative Panel, and all stakeholders for your invaluable support in developing the Malaysia Pavilion. The Ministry welcomes any suggestions and input to further enhance the side events organised at the pavilion.
19. I warmly invite all of you to collaborate with NRES in making the Malaysia Pavilion at COP30 a resounding success. Let today’s event mark the beginning of a strong and productive partnership, ensuring that Malaysia’s voice resonates as ASEAN’s voice on the global stage. Thank you.