|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
During the 15th Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum, the Malaysian Transport Minister Malaysia made an announcement that underscored the nation’s commitment to embracing cleaner and more energy-efficient technologies within the Asian region.
The Minister expressed his confidence in the ability to achieve this goal by enhancing public transportation accessibility, investing in infrastructure to alleviate congestion and reduce pollution, and adopting innovative solutions that prioritise the well-being of citizens.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) believes that a collaborative effort involving participating countries and international partners is key to realising the objectives outlined in the Aichi 2030 Declaration, along with the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the transportation-related ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
The MOT took the initiative to host the forum, with co-organisation by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations Centre for Regional Development of Division for Sustainable Development Goals/United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The three-day event, held from 24 October to 26 October 2023, was centred around the theme of ‘Investing in Sustainable Transport: Catalyzing Economic and Social Development in the SDGs Era.’
The forum focused on four main objectives, all of which emphasise the economic, social, and environmental advantages of implementing the Aichi 2030 Declaration. These objectives encompass the creation of an implementation plan for the Aichi 2030 Declaration, designed to align Asia’s transport policy and planning, programs, institutional arrangements, and infrastructure development with the SDGs’ objectives and the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
These efforts also include a strategic recovery plan for the transport sector in Asia post-Covid-19. The forum emphasised the importance of international collaboration and support for implementing the Aichi 2030 Declaration, underscoring the significance of adopting advanced technologies to achieve cleaner and more energy-efficient transportation systems across Asia.
The Minister’s commitment to promoting sustainable transport technologies underscores the importance of embracing innovative solutions and international cooperation to achieve environmentally responsible transportation in the region. This commitment aligns with global objectives such as the SDGs and the Paris Agreement and aims to provide economic, social, and environmental benefits for the people of Asia.
OpenGov Asia reported earlier that a United Arab Emirates clean energy powerhouse has joined forces with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in a landmark agreement that will see a RM 38.14 billion (US$ 8 billion) investment in renewable energy projects in Malaysia.
This partnership is set to play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s journey towards a more sustainable and greener future. The collaboration will involve the development of up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects in Malaysia by 2035. These projects will encompass a range of initiatives, including ground-mounted and rooftop solar power plants, onshore wind farms, and cutting-edge battery energy storage systems.
The MoU signifies a remarkable step forward in Malaysia’s sustainable energy journey. This collaboration promises significant advancements in the renewable energy sector, marking a substantial contribution to Malaysia’s sustainable energy transformation. The commitment of both the UAE and Malaysia to driving innovation and sustainability is a beacon of hope in the ongoing global efforts to combat climate change and transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
