| 13 Dec 2024 – Written by Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki & Zhi Lin Yeoh.
At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the global dialogue on climate action resonated with a powerful message: climate challenges are collective challenges, and solutions demand a united, inclusive response. This year’s conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and youth leadership in building a sustainable future. Here are Yayasan Hasanah’s reflections and hopes inspired by the event.
- Climate Action: A Collective Responsibility
One of the most uplifting lessons from COP29 was the realization that we are stronger together. Tackling climate change isn’t the burden of any single nation, organization, or community—it is a shared responsibility that calls for solidarity across governments, businesses, civil society, and local communities. The idea of Public-Private-People Partnerships (PPPP) emerged as a cornerstone of meaningful change, where every voice and contribution has the power to drive impactful outcomes.
Our own project in the Royal Belum Forest serves as a testament to this vision. Through a collaborative effort to protect the critically endangered Malayan tiger, diverse stakeholders—including the Jahai indigenous people, NGOs like RIMAU, and government agencies—have united to conserve biodiversity while empowering local communities. This initiative demonstrates that when people come together with a shared purpose, hope is transformed into action, and challenges can be met with creativity, resilience and determination.
Another collaborative initiative known as Southeast Asia Climate Adaptation and Resilience (SEACAR) Alliance that was launched in COP28. The SEACAR Alliance is a response to the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change of Southeast Asian region through nature-based solutions, climate analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) across six key themes. This regional alliance was a partnership between World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Think City.
- Innovative Funding for a Sustainable Future
COP29 highlighted the urgent need for innovative funding mechanisms to sustain climate action. While negotiations for the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) fell short of expectations, this setback fuels our determination to explore new pathways for mobilizing resources. For Malaysia, as a middle-income nation, accessing international climate finance remains a challenge, but this only reinforces the importance of building partnerships and leveraging pooled funding.
At Yayasan Hasanah, we see opportunity in adversity. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, we can bridge funding gaps and ensure that critical climate projects receive the support they need. Together, we can turn financial barriers into opportunities for innovation, creating a model of sustainability that empowers communities and safeguards the environment.
- Youth: The Champions of Tomorrow
Among the brightest moments of COP29 was witnessing the passion and leadership of youth delegates, particularly those representing Malaysia. Their energy and commitment were nothing short of inspiring, reminding us that the voices of the next generation are essential to shaping a better future. Groups like the Youth United For Environment (YUFE) and the Malaysian Youth Delegation (MYD) showed that young leaders are not just participants—they are catalysts for transformative change.
We were proud to sponsor Ariff bin Amir Ali, a Yayasan Khazanah scholar in Kolej Yayasan UEM, whose presence at COP29 was a testament to the potential of Malaysian youth. Engaging directly with global leaders, Ariff brought Malaysia’s perspectives to the world stage and returned with invaluable insights to inspire action at home. His words echo a message of hope and urgency, urging us all to act now for the generations to come. You could read his experience here.
- A Vision for the Future
Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability of Malaysia (middle) with panelists at COP29 in Azerbaijan
COP29 was a powerful reminder that while the road ahead may be challenging, it is also filled with immense potential. Through collective action, innovative funding, and the passion of our youth, we can overcome obstacles and build a world that is sustainable, equitable, and resilient.
Yayasan Hasanah is steadfast in its commitment to these pillars of progress. We believe in the power of people, partnerships, and perseverance to create a brighter future—not only for Malaysia but for the entire planet. Together, let us embrace this journey with hope, determination, and the unwavering belief that a better tomorrow is within our reach.