STATEMENT : HIGH-LEVEL THEMATIC DEBATE ON "DELIVERING CLIMATE ACTION: FOR PEOPLE, PLANET & PROSPERITY", 26 OCTOBER 2021

STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR SYED MOHD HASRIN AIDID

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE HIGH-LEVEL THEMATIC DEBATE ON

“DELIVERING CLIMATE ACTION: FOR PEOPLE, PLANET & PROSPERITY”

Mr. President,

Malaysia congratulates you in convening this important debate ahead of the upcoming COP 26.We hope to hear renewed commitments by Member States in our fight against the existential threat of climate change.

2.     The recent report released by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) signalled a reality check to all of us. It is a warning that limiting the global warming to 1.5°C will be beyond reach, unless we take immediate, rapid and large-scale steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. President,

3.     Malaysia remains committed to climate action and has recently set a target of becoming a carbon neutral nation at the earliest by 2050. As set out in the 12^th Malaysia Plan (2021 – 2025), we are determined to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45% to GDP by 2030. We are also intensifying the development and utilisation of renewable energy sources to meet the 31% of renewable energy target by 2025. Towards this end, the use of existing and new technologies, namely co-generation, solar thermal and fuel cell will be further promoted.

4.     In promoting low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, domestic industry players are required to focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals in their business practices.

5.     I am pleased to further share that in strengthening climate action at the local level, the Malaysian Government has introduced Green City Action Plan and relevant land policies to enhance resilience of our cities against the impact of climate change and natural disasters. Under these initiatives, selected cities and towns have been identified for greenhouse gas emission inventory and climate resilience assessment.

Mr. President,

6.     The COVID-19 pandemic has cost us decades of development gains and we must not let climate change further erode our progress in achieving Agenda 2030. We must re-double our efforts and support each other towards achieving our common climate ambitions. In this context, Malaysia underlines the leading role to be played by developed countries in supporting developing countries to deliver the promise for climate action. These include providing new, adequate and consistent financial assistance as well as technological transfer to developing countries.

7.     Malaysia looks forward to participating constructively at the upcoming COP 26. It is our hope that the Conference will become a turning point in our common efforts to combat climate change.

I thank you.