KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to spearhead regional climate action and sustainability initiatives as it hosts the first-ever Kuala Lumpur Sustainability Summit (KLSS) 2025, an event under the country’s Asean chairmanship.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Malaysia remains determined to lead Asean efforts for environmental resilience through the summit.
“KLSS 2025 is more than just a summit — it’s a call to action for all Asean member states.
“We aim to drive meaningful collaborations and create policies that will shape the future of sustainability for the region,” he said during the soft launch of KLSS and the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2025 today.
Nik Nazmi said the government aims to make KLSS an annual event, leveraging Malaysia’s extensive institutional and leadership networks.
“We introduced it this year because of our Asean chairmanship. But, the vision is to make it a conference that people aspire to attend when discussing sustainability,” he said.
“KLSS would aim to match the benchmark of prestigious conferences like Energy Asia and Khazanah Megatrends Forum.
“While these events focus on different themes, KLSS will be synonymous with sustainability and climate action in the region. This is our aspiration and we’re setting a high benchmark.”
The summit is expected to culminate in the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Climate Resilience, a landmark document that will outline Asean’s collective approach to tackling climate challenges.
“This declaration will serve as a framework for regional cooperation. It’s about ensuring that no country in Asean is left behind in the fight against climate change.
“Environmental issues do not respect borders, which is why regional collaboration is key to ensuring a sustainable future for all.
“(For example), transboundary haze might be one of the topics tackled at KLSS because it is a significant regional issue.
“It’s also being actively discussed on the Asean platform, and we aim to address it further during this year’s Asean meetings.”
KLSS will host thought leaders, policymakers and environmental advocates from across Asean and the Asia-Pacific region.
Running alongside KLSS 2025 is IGEM 2025, scheduled for Oct 15 to 17 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
“Themed ‘Race Towards Net Zero: Inclusivity and Sustainability’, IGEM will showcase green technology innovations and sustainable solutions, bridging the gap between policy discussions at KLSS and real-world implementation,” Nik Nazmi added.
Source: NST