JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Regional collaboration and global solidarity are key to ensuring the ability of countries and regions within the Asia Pacific to overcome looming climate challenges, a Malaysian official said on Monday.
While hosting some of the world's richest and most biodiverse locations, the Asia Pacific region is also extremely susceptible to the effects of climate change, Malaysian Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said in his opening remarks at the Asia Pacific Climate Week 2023 (APCW) hosted in Malaysia's Johor state.
"Rising sea levels threatening coastal communities, extreme weather events disrupting lives and economies, and changing precipitation patterns affecting agriculture and water resources are a reality. These challenges are not limited to one nation but ripple across borders, thus emphasizing the need for regional collaboration and global solidarity," he said.
Nik Nazmi also called on developed countries to continue taking the lead and showing leadership in these trying times by honoring the commitment to support climate ambition.
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Simon Stiell said the Asia Pacific region is on the front line in the battle against climate change. "With its rapidly growing economies and economic dynamism, the Asia Pacific region has the potential to be a climate pioneer, leading green technologies and innovations, driving global efforts to combat climate change."
APCW 2023 is hosted by the government of Malaysia's state of Johor in collaboration with the Malaysian federal government from Nov. 13 to 17. It brings this year's series of Regional Climate Weeks to a close, following the Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya; the Middle East and North Africa Climate Week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and the Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week in Panama City, Panama.
Participants at APCW will be addressing climate challenges head-on, exploring innovative approaches and sustainable solutions.
The discussions and outcomes of APCW will feed into the upcoming COP 28, strengthening momentum for progress on issues such as the energy transition, climate finance, and loss and damage. ■