World leaders, climate experts, activists and other stakeholders from nearly 200 countries recently gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29). COP is the key annual global summit as the world attempts to address the unfolding climate crisis, with a target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 as expressed by the Paris Agreement.
Shift for Sustainability – Climate Action Now !’, showcased the nation’s whole of society approach to create a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for all.
Diverse perspectives, unified approach
The Malaysian delegation to COP29 comprised over 250 members from 80 organisations including policymakers, government agencies, GLCs, private businesses, NGOs and youth representatives – collectively bringing diverse ideas and perspectives to the global community, while promoting a unified whole-of-nation approach to climate action.
The delegation was led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, in collaboration with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) as the executing agency, as well as proudly supported by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), PETRONAS, Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad, Kloth Cares and De Carton.
What’s more, local and international voices from various disciplines turned the Malaysia Pavilion into a vibrant hub for meaningful knowledge exchange and transformative conversations – engaging over 1,400 participants in the 2 weeks of COP29 through more than 26 sessions, including keynotes, panel discussions, presentations and fireside chats.
More than 180 expert speakers shared insights on critical topics including a just transition, pathways for building climate-resilient cities, accelerating cross-border climate action and more. These discussions strengthened Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable practices, regional collaboration, and innovative solutions for a resilient future.
Pushing boundaries with bold sustainability goals
Beyond championing a nation-focused narrative that elevated regional voices, Malaysia also sought to establish itself as a premier destination for green investments at COP29. Through strategic clusters, the Malaysia Pavilion served as a dynamic platform for Malaysia to promote the country’s advanced sustainable practices on the global stage.
The Pavilion presented areas that detailed the nation’s pathway toward achieving net-zero emissions and reinforcing national sustainability. By profiling these efforts, Malaysia solidified its climate leadership – bolstering international partnerships and inviting further investments that align with the country’s green growth strategy.
Among these areas include sustainable energy innovations like carbon capture, hybrid solar projects, and interconnected regional grids, as outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). Another key focus was the nation’s collective action in climate financing and carbon market opportunities to support economy-wide decarbonisation.
Malaysia also emphasised integrating sustainability into trade practices through circular economy strategies and clearer supply chain guidelines while promoting a unified carbon trading framework. Meanwhile, the integration of advanced technology with traditional indigenous knowledge positioned the country as a leader in scalable climate tech solutions.
As one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, Malaysia also demonstrated its community-led ecological leadership, showcasing efforts that prioritised community participation in biodiversity conservation. Similarly, capacity-building programmes for underrepresented groups were also a key focus for advocating inclusive frameworks.
Leading ASEAN’s sustainable and inclusive growth
Overall, Malaysia’s participation at COP29 strengthened the nation’s sustainability foothold as it assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. The nation has called for action and progress made during COP29 to reaffirm commitments to achieve net-zero targets, and regional cooperation as well as fostering a circular economy.
In a panel discussion, Shahril Azuar Jimin, Group Chief Sustainability Officer of Maybank highlighted the need for climate adaption to be done according to locality as there is no one-size-fits-all for the unique ASEAN landscape. The same conversation also covered investment opportunities for adaptation financing and actionable insights for overcoming financing challenges across ASEAN.
In addition, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) hosted an insightful session at the Malaysia Pavilion focused on the Fiscal Resilience Initiative (FRI). During the session, a new report entitled “Climate-Resilient Fiscal Management: Experience from Southeast Asia” was introduced, featuring regional best practices for managing climate-related fiscal risks and mobilising climate finance.
Furthermore, Malaysia’s energy and palm oil sectors once again took centre stage with a focus on ensuring economic and social equity during its transition to low-carbon pathways. Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, President of The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, emphasised the critical role for ASEAN to drive region-wide initiatives in energy transformation and sustainable land use, including the palm oil industry. “Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 is a tremendously important opportunity to lead these efforts, given its strong track record in sustainable development and energy innovation.”
Discussions at COP29 also centered on the transformative role of climate tech innovations and data platforms in supporting the larger climate agenda for ASEAN. Near zero emission power systems and cross-border grids that accelerate regional decarbonisation like the ASEAN Power Grid can serve as a strategic, cost-effective solution for decarbonisation within the region.
Advancing global climate leadership beyond COP29
Malaysia’s participation at COP29 exemplified its unwavering commitment to sustainability and positioned the nation as a pivotal climate leader in ASEAN. Through robust collaborations, the country has already unlocked innovative initiatives and substantial investments enabling it to leap forward towards becoming a net-zero nation.
This includes signings among key players for the establishment of Carbon Market Associations, the partnership between BoomGrow and Azerbaijan, as well as Memorandums of Cooperation (MoCs) between Malaysia’s Johor state and Japan’s Saitama city, and Citaglobal Bhd’s Framework Agreement with the Port of Baku.
While the Malaysia Pavilion has officially closed, the collaborations, innovations, and exchanges that have been forged in COP29 will continue to unfold beyond – supporting Malaysia’s broader commitments to the green economy as outlined in Budget 2025, and to support the proposed carbon tax that is set to be introduced in 2026.
Looking ahead to COP30 in Brazil next year, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, expressed his hope that by working together, the world can still win the war against climate change. “Let us keep moving forward to ensure that Malaysia not only meets its climate commitments but also sets an inspiring example on the global stage”.