As the world gathers for COP29 (the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), Malaysia has made a compelling case for climate action and regional cooperation with the Malaysia Pavilion under the theme “Shift for Sustainability – Climate Action Now!”
The pavilion highlights Malaysia’s growing commitment to sustainability, setting a strong tone as the nation prepares to take on the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, focusing on “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
The Malaysia Pavilion aims to spotlight the nation’s climate achievements, advocate for stronger ASEAN cooperation, and demonstrate advanced sustainable practices. Aligned with Malaysia’s broader climate goals, this initiative echoes the 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme and addresses the urgent need for unified action in the region.
“The global climate crisis demands a unified approach, and today, at COP29, we remain fully committed to our comprehensive strategy emphasising climate-conscious policies and sustainable economic growth that benefit the people and economies of all ASEAN nations,” said Datuk Dr Ching Thoo a/l Kim, secretary general of Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), in a statement released on Tuesday (12 November).
He added that the NRES aims to foster deeper collaborations to tackle these shared environmental challenges and enhance regional resilience by implementing effective climate solutions.
Strategically positioned in the Blue Zone, the Malaysia Pavilion is a hub for advancing collective action on climate finance, renewable energy, carbon markets, biodiversity, youth empowerment, and circular economy initiatives. Over the two-week event, it will host a lineup of leading voices in sustainability, including local and international experts who will present keynote speeches and participate in panel discussions on building climate-resilient cities and achieving net-zero targets across Southeast Asia.
Notable sessions throughout the event will feature representatives from Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Ministry of Economy, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission), Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), ICLEI South Asia, CIMB Islamic Bank, Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), Yinson, and more. These discussions will focus on creating sustainable urban development models and climate-resilient cities in Malaysia through fostering collaborations with regional and global partners.
A pivotal regional panel, moderated by GIZ ASEAN EU-German Climate Action Programme, will also bring together leaders from the climate secretariats of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. This session will highlight ASEAN’s unified climate ambitions and the shared goal of enhancing resilience against environmental risks in the region.
In addition, the agenda includes expert-led discussions on managing transboundary climate risks, featuring speakers from the Global Resilience Partnership, Stockholm Environment Institute, and Boston Consulting Group. These sessions aim to chart collaborative solutions for climate risks affecting South East Asia.
The Malaysia Pavilion is spearheaded by the NRES, with support from the MGTC as the executing agency. Key sponsors include TNB, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF), Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad (FGV), SD Guthrie Bhd, Maybank, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB), Kloth Wear, and De Carton.
With a robust agenda and high-level participation, Malaysia is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development, aiming to leave a lasting impact on COP29 and set a powerful example for ASEAN as it takes on chairmanship in 2025. 
