Post COP28 Debrief with Urbanice

23 January 2024

Just Transition, Gender, Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, and Climate Finance at COP28

The recent event, “Post COP28: Is Malaysia Moving Forward?” held on 23rd January 2024, brought together a line-up of panels to discuss Malaysia’s climate action in the aftermath of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28).

Aroe Ajoeni, KAMY’s Communications Director called for a just transition, gender equality, and the rights of Indigenous peoples during the discussion.

Regarding the hypocrisy of countries like the United States and the war in Palestine, Aroe highlighted the interconnectedness of global issues and the importance of recognising the broader context in which climate change occurs.

Aroe also addressed the urgency of focusing on national adaptation plans, expressing concern about the rapid shift towards discussing loss and damage without adequate emphasis on adaptation. “But what about the adapting part? What about preparing the community building the resilience of the community?”​​.

In addition to her comments on just transition and adaptation, Aroe also discussed the importance of actively pursuing climate finance. She underscored the need for persistence and not backing down in the face of challenges. Aroe emphasised the critical need for developing countries to stand together and push for their rightful share of climate finance, highlighting the inequity in survival being a negotiable aspect in the context of climate change.

“…and also how to tap into the funding. And I think this is where we need to push harder and work with like-minded developing countries to negotiate harder. Why why is our survival negotiable?”​​.

Green Financing and Malaysia’s Future

YM Raja Amir Raja Azwa, CEO of HSBC Amanah, highlighted the evolving role of financial institutions in the context of climate change and sustainable development. He stated, “we’re looking at social financing we’re looking at blended financing we’re looking at using our Zakat… it’s a step in the right direction beyond just looking at the traditional sort of financing”​​. He also touched upon the role of Islamic Banking in mobilising financing, emphasising the significance of value-based integration in the financial sector.

Health at the Heart of Climate Action

Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood of the Sunway Planetary Health Centre emphasised the critical intersection of health and climate change. Discussing the need for systemic change, she stated, “we are humanitarians putting big band aids on huge gaping wounds because we have not moved the system… systems change is hard but my goodness we need to move it inch by inch centimeter by centimeter”​​. She highlighted the role of health in sustainable development, asserting the need for a National Planetary Health Action Plan.

Children’s Rights in Climate Action

Jasmin Irisha, Climate and Environment Officer at UNICEF Malaysia, brought attention to the crucial role of children’s rights in the context of climate change. Her focus on promoting UNICEF’s initiatives underscores the urgency of integrating children’s rights and perspectives into climate policies and actions, ensuring that the needs and voices of the youngest members of society are not overlooked in the discourse on environmental sustainability.

Government’s Role and CBDR

Encik Muhamad Hidayatullah Bin Nasrul discussed the government’s perspective, emphasising the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). He stated, “it is everyone’s responsibility, it is the responsibility of all countries but it must be done with the contribution of each country”​​. He also addressed the challenges and opportunities in fostering sustainability, highlighting the need for collaboration and strategic alignment between various ministries​​.

In conclusion, the event has laid out a road map for Malaysia’s climate action post-COP28, illustrating that the way forward requires a convergence of finance, health, social justice, and governmental policy. It is a collective journey that demands boldness, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to not only safeguard our environment but also to honour our responsibilities to each other and future generations. The dialogue initiated here is a step towards ensuring that Malaysia, and the world, can move forward in a manner that is both progressive and just.