JOHOR will launch a green initiative framework called “Johor Green Deal” at the Asia-Pacific Climate Week (APCW) 2023, to be held in Johor Baru in November.

Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said in tackling issues regarding climate change in Johor, the state government must have a clear path in implementing programmes in the years to come.

“This climate change issue is something that is becoming more dangerous to the world as a whole and Johor specifically. I see the APCW as an opportunity for us to make improvements,” he said at a press conference in Johor Baru today.

“We are going to take the opportunity to launch the Johor Green Deal in terms of our sustainability plan for the state’s greener future. We are working closely with Hasni Mohammad on setting up the Johor Sustainability Centre.”

Also present were former Johor menteri besar Hasni Mohammad, who is Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office chairman, and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change programme coordination manager Niclas Svenningsen.

On whether Johor will share its disaster management experiences in tackling floods, Onn Hafiz said the state would not only do so but also take stock and learn from other countries on the matter.

“The issue of floods is not something that is unique to Johor. It is also a global matter that should be addressed by everyone,” he said.

Johor experienced the worst floods since 2007 at the end of February this year, which saw more that 80,000 people in 10 districts evacuated from their homes.

On APCW 2023, Onn Hafiz said Johor was both honoured and delighted to host such a pivotal event and reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.

Svenningsen said Johor’s dedication and leadership in hosting the event would inspire societal determination in addressing climate challenges in the region.

To take place at Persada Johor International Convention Centre from November 13-17, APCW is expected to bring together more than 2,000 delegates from 150 countries.

It is one of the four regional climate weeks to be held this year, to build a momentum ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Dubai at the end of November. – Bernama, August 13, 2023.