OPENING SPEECH 

NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD 
MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND  
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 

FOR 

COP29 DEBRIEF  

23 JANUARY 2025 (THURSDAY) 

RENAISSANCE KUALA LUMPUR HOTEL AND  
CONVENTION CENTRE 
 

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Salam Sejahtera and Salam Malaysia Madani 

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. Ching Thoo a/l Kim 
Secretary General, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental 
Sustainability (NRES) 

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Nor Yahati Awang 
Deputy Secretary General (Environmental Sustainability), NRES 

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Sri Tpr. Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif 
Mayor of Kuala Lumpur 

Yang Berusaha Puan Shareen Shariza Dato’ Abdul Ghani 
Chairman, Board of Directors, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate 
Change Corporation (MGTC) 
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

INTRODUCTION 

1. It is my pleasure to be here today at this significant Dialogue Session on Post UNFCCC-COP29, where we emphasise Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and advancing the global climate agenda. 
2. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) recognises the importance of hosting a session like this, as tackling climate change and safeguarding our environment are shared responsibilities and collective interests.  
3. Once again, I thank you all for being here and express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making today’s event possible. 
4. The UNFCCC-COP29 Baku, hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan from November 11 to November 22, 2024, served as a critical reminder of the pressing need for decisive climate action. Globally, the focus remains on achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and strengthening cooperation to mobilise resources and technology. 
   
   MALAYSIA AT COP29 
   Ladies and gentlemen, 
    
5. I am proud to note Malaysia’s robust participation at COP29, where we sent a delegation of 313 committed members. Ranked 27th among 195 countries, Malaysia’s strong representation underscores our deep commitment to global efforts in combating climate change. 
6. Our delegation did not just attend; they were actively engaged in discussions, negotiations, and collaborations, positioning Malaysia as a prominent key player in promoting sustainable and climate-friendly practices internationally. 
7. Notably, the presence of the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Dato’ Sri Tpr. Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, at COP29 was pivotal in emphasising our position. Dato’ Sri Maimunah at the Opening Ceremony of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, emphasised that climate change is a daily reality requiring consistent funding to protect green spaces, cut carbon emissions, and implement innovative solutions.  
8. I also would like to thank government officials from various ministries and agencies who played an invaluable role in navigating complex climate change negotiations. At the heart of COP29’s agenda were crucial negotiations on climate finance, market and non-market mechanisms under Article 6, global adaptation goals, the mitigation work programme, and other pressing issues. Malaysia’s negotiators worked tirelessly to protect our national interests, and they truly deserve our utmost appreciation and admiration for their dedication and hard work. 
   
   MALAYSIA PAVILION AT UNFCCC-COP29  
    
9. Over two weeks, the Malaysia Pavilion became a hub of collaboration, hosting 188 international and local speakers, securing three MOUs and partnerships, and 48 talks and events. 
10. More than just a venue, the Pavilion embodied our values, serving as a centre for knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. It demonstrated Malaysia’s proactive, whole-of-nation approach to tackling climate change. 
11. The theme “Shift for Sustainability: Climate Action Now” underscores the urgency of tackling climate change through immediate and decisive action. Malaysia is committed to fostering a whole-of-nation approach, engaging all sectors—government, businesses, and communities—in a unified effort to build a sustainable, resilient future for everyone. 
12. In line with the negotiation process, representatives from state governments, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders actively participated in numerous programmes and activities at the Malaysia Pavilion and beyond, contributing significantly to the global discourse on climate action. 
13. NRES is deeply grateful to our strategic partners for your generous contributions, which made the Pavilion a resounding success. My heartfelt thanks go to all speakers, partners, members of the Advisory and Consultative Panels of Climate Change, and other stakeholders for your unwavering support and dedication.
14. Before we proceed further, I must extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Secretariat of this post dialogue session, led by the Climate Change Division, NRES, and MGTC. Your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have brought us together today, providing the platform for this vital exchange of ideas. 
15. Furthermore, I would also like to express our deep appreciation to our strategic partners, whose generous support has made our participation at COP29 possible. Your belief in our mission and your commitment to addressing climate change inspire us as we move forward.  
16.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) for your support in implementing carbon offsets through carbon credits for NRES delegations to Baku. This initiative exemplifies leadership in environmental stewardship and aligns with our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 
    
    ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP 2025 
    Ladies and gentlemen, 
     
17. Malaysia has taken bold and decisive steps to position itself as a leader in climate action within ASEAN and beyond. Over the past year, significant milestones have been achieved, showcasing our unwavering commitment to combating climate change. 
18. Malaysia’s role as the Chair of ASEAN 2025 adds a new dimension to our climate commitments. As the Chair, we aim to amplify ASEAN’s collective voice on climate action, ensuring it aligns with global aspirations. At COP30 in Belem, Brazil, Malaysia intends to present the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change, emphasising regional cooperation, financial support, and sustainable development pathways for ASEAN Member States. 
19. Our ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is at the heart of Malaysia’s climate strategy. This commitment reflects our dedication to the Paris Agreement goals and reinforces our leadership in ASEAN’s climate agenda. 
20. As part of our commitment under the Paris Agreement, the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) provides a transparent account of Malaysia’s greenhouse gas inventory, mitigation measures, and support needs. Malaysia successfully submitted its BTR on December 31, 2024 and it is a significant milestone in enhancing our climate governance and fostering trust with the global community 
21. This report underscores our dedication to transparency and accountability in climate governance. It details our progress in greenhouse gas emissions reduction, adaptation measures, and support provided and received, demonstrating Malaysia's leadership in fulfilling international obligations. 
22. These milestones reflect Malaysia’s proactive approach to addressing climate challenges while aligning with regional and global commitments.  
23. I take this opportunity to commend the efforts of all contributors during engagement and consultations processes from federal and states, relevant agencies, private sector partners, civil society, and academia. Your collective actions highlight the power of unity in addressing shared challenges. 
24. I urge all stakeholders to support and actively participate in translating these commitments into tangible results for Malaysia, ASEAN, and the world. 

    CONCLUSION 
    Ladies and gentlemen, 

25. In my latest book, Saving the Planet, I emphasised that one of the key causes of today’s climate and environmental crisis is our unsustainable consumption. Therefore, we must change our lifestyles to achieve our net-zero goals. 
26. The call for urgent climate action is louder than ever. Malaysia must sustain the momentum gained at COP29 to achieve meaningful progress to bring towards COP30 in Belem, Brazil and beyond.  
27. Let us carry forward the spirit of collaboration to drive sustained action for a greener, more resilient, and sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Thank you.