Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has placed ASEAN firmly on the global climate stage by leading the region to adopt a unified position on climate action ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Bel©m, Brazil.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii stated that as the ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia hosted the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18) in Langkawi in September. During this meeting, regional environment ministers achieved a landmark consensus on the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change for COP30.
The joint statement, which was endorsed by the ASEAN Environment Ministers, is set to be delivered at COP30 following its formal approval at the 47th ASEAN Summit on Oct 26. Huang emphasized that the statement provides a critical opportunity for ASEAN to collectively influence global climate action and outlines the region's positions on key issues such as climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, technology transfer, and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Huang also highlighted Malaysia's role during AMME-18 in facilitating a dialogue between ASEAN Environment Ministers and the COP30 President Designate, Andr© Corrªa do Lago. This engagement aligned ASEAN's priorities with Brazil's 'Amazon COP' vision, paving the way for coordinated efforts at COP30 in Bel©m.
To maintain this momentum, Malaysia plans to showcase both national and regional climate action through the Malaysia Pavilion at COP30. This pavilion will serve as the ASEAN platform for sustainability diplomacy, emphasizing the collective voice of Southeast Asian nations based on the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
The Pavilion will feature key regional initiatives, demonstrating Malaysia's commitment to both domestic transformation and regional leadership. It aims to ensure that the voices, vulnerabilities, and innovations of Southeast Asian nations are effectively represented and supported on the global stage.
Malaysia has also reaffirmed its whole-of-nation approach to addressing climate change, involving all sectors of society, including industry, energy, community, and government. This follows the launch of the Malaysia Pavilion, themed 'Climate Action Now: Net Zero Pathways Unlocked,' at the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM 2025) held last month.
Huang expressed that Malaysia's ultimate goal is to drive tangible and transformative change to achieve carbon neutrality and secure a sustainable and resilient economic future. The Malaysia Pavilion's theme will be featured at the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) from tomorrow (Nov 10) to Nov 21.
Over the past year, Malaysia has defined its 'Shift for Sustainability', anchored by frameworks like the National Climate Change Policy 2.0 (NCCP 2.0), NDC Roadmap and Action Plan, Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategies (LT-LEDS), and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). These initiatives aim to balance security, affordability, and sustainability while guiding Malaysia's transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Huang noted that Malaysia is advancing regional cooperation through initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, facilitating cross-border renewable energy trade and translating regional ambitions into actionable plans. With these foundational pillars, Malaysia is now holistically prepared to achieve its net-zero target by 2050.