APCW 2023 in Johor concludes with over 3,800 participants from 108 countries

Johor investment, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han (left) engaging with some participants at the Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Baru on Nov 17, 2023. (Photo by Thomas Yong/The Star)

JOHOR BARU: The Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023 (APCW 2023), the first held in Johor, has ended after five days of discussions with more than 3,800 global participants.

During his closing speech, Johor investment, trade, and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the participants from 108 countries participated in over 200 sessions held during the event from Nov 13 until today (Nov 17).

“The heart of the discussions was based on the four major systems-based tracks of APCW 2023: energy systems and industry, cities, urban and rural settlements, infrastructure and transport, land, ocean, food and water, as well as societies, health, livelihoods and economies.

“We delved into the intricacies of climate change, explored innovative solutions and forged partnerships that will undoubtedly shape the course of our collective response,” he said at the closing ceremony of the APCW 2023 held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre.

Lee also said that APCW 2023 held significance for Johor and highlighted the Johor Green Deal. The framework outlines the state’s approach to achieving environmental sustainability to tackle the climate crisis.

“Complementing the Johor Green Deal is the Johor Sustainability Centre, which will serve as a hub for knowledge sharing, capacity building and developing cutting-edge sustainable solutions.

“These are some of the initiatives that will also ensure that the conversation on climate action continues beyond APCW 2023,” he added.

The five-day APCW 2023 has seen the presentation of technical papers, symposiums, networking, introductory tours, regional and global cooperation, investment discussions and talks on climate change's economic and social impact.

The conference has also brought to a close this year’s series of regional climate weeks

after APCW 2023, the first global stocktake would be concluded at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, in December.