Onn Hafiz (left) and Svenningsen at the APCW 2023 press conference in Johor Baru.
A FRAMEWORK to set Johor towards becoming a greener state is in the pipeline and will be introduced in November, says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He said the Johor Green Deal initiative would be launched in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023 (APCW 2023), an international event hosted by the state from Nov 13 to 17.
“Climate change is something that is becoming more dangerous for the world as a whole.
“I see APCW as an opportunity to make improvements.
“The Johor Green Deal is a sustainability plan for Johor’s greener future,” he said in a press conference about APCW 2023 at Persada Johor International Convention Centre.
Details of the plan will be announced during the launch.
On Johor beating the likes of South Korea, China, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to host APCW 2023, Onn Hafiz said the state was honoured and delighted to welcome the 2,000-strong participants from 150 countries.
“There will be talks, technology showcases and presentations about tackling climate change. Johor will also share its disaster management experiences with regards to floods.
“The state will also learn from other countries on that matter,” he added.
Johor was hit by floods at the end of February this year, displacing some 80,000 victims in 10 districts.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change programme coordination manager Niclas Svenningsen said APCW was last held in 2019, and Johor had faced tough competition against other countries vying to host the event.
“Both local and federal governments were very enthusiastic and we believe Johor’s dedication and leadership in hosting the event would inspire societal determination in addressing climate challenges in the region.”
The event in Johor is one of four regional climate weeks held this year to build momentum ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai.
