Johor Bahru, Malaysia – The Asia Pacific Climate Week (APCW) has officially commenced in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from November 13-17, 2023. This annual event serves as a platform for leaders from governments, businesses, international organisations, and civil society to collaboratively address the urgent challenges posed by the climate crisis.
Marking the fourth of four Regional Climate Weeks held this year, APCW 2023 builds momentum in the lead-up to the UN Climate Change Conference COP 28 in Dubai. This year’s event also aligns with the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake, a pivotal initiative designed to guide the fulfilment of the Paris Agreement’s goals and provide region-specific contributions to inform the Global Stocktake.
Organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Bank, APCW 2023 is structured around four systems-based tracks, each focusing on specific themes: Energy systems and industry; Cities, urban and rural settlements, infrastructure, and transport; Land, ocean, food, and water; and Societies, health, livelihoods, and economies.
At the opening ceremony, YB Tuan Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Malaysia, warmly welcomed participants. Minister Nazmi Ahmad highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to achieving its net-zero target by 2050, emphasising the nation’s dedication to mitigating the impact of climate-change-induced disasters on its rich biodiversity.
In his address, Donald Cooper, Director of the transparency division at UNFCCC, underscored the gravity of the climate crisis. He said that most countries agree that climate is the most pressing issue of the generation. Cooper said, “we are not inventing ways to save the planet. We know all of these things, just not enough of that.”
As APCW 2023 unfolds over the coming days, leaders and experts will engage in discussions and collaborative efforts to shape sustainable solutions and advance the shared commitment to combatting climate change on a global scale. The event’s outcomes are anticipated to contribute significantly to the discussions at COP 28 and the ongoing efforts to realise the objectives of the Paris Agreement. (nsh)
