STEP by step Malaysia is laying the foundation for an indispensable "sustainability" governance that will help the country navigate the next decade, creating the conditions for a thriving net-zero emissions future.
The newly established Malaysian Climate Change Action Council (MyCAC) can play a pivotal role in a way that Malaysia can truly envision for a different future that is more sustainable and equitable.
From here, the needs of putting in place a sustainability focused type of governance that is going to be able to rally an entire nation towards ambitious new goals that won't only bring a less fossil fuel dependent economy but also a society able to embrace the Agenda 2030 can be achieved.
In terms of policy making it implies a combination of priorities, less carbon and more social security combined with more support to employment creation, some of which Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin successfully put in place since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Such measures need to continue to secure a carbon neutral economy. With more cash support for all those adversely affected by the pandemic as a key part of the equation, the climate challenge is forcing the government to come up with the right tools and mechanisms.
MyCAC is going undoubtedly to have a huge task ahead, but the same can be said for the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) or for the re-booted Malaysian Green Technology Corporation, now turned into a more focused and ambitious Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre.
Localising climate action as well as other measures promoting sustainable and equitable development is key for local governments, from cities to states, that are going to be entrusted with more responsibilities.
For example, for a successful implementation of the National Low Carbon City Master Plan and the Low Carbon Mobility Development Plan 2021-2030, two essential pieces of action in the overarching goal of setting bolder climate goals, local governments have huge responsibilities.
Recognising the importance of governance at local level, UN-HABITAT will organise the 11th World Urban Forum next year, which will be "Transforming Our Cities for a Better Urban Future".
By then, Malaysia should have really put in place localised plans of action on the overall Agenda 2030 to help bring into reality eventual new carbon targets and holistic efforts to reduce vulnerability and poverty.
The recently established Shared Prosperity Action Council (MTKB), with the Shared Prosperity Delivery Unit (Sepadu), will have to embrace a holistic pathway that will lead to the implementation of the Shared Prosperity Vision (SPV) 2030.
For example, by 2025, Malaysia is committed to have at least 500,000 of its youth and children participating in nature-based activities annually. Therefore, a Parliamentary Environmental Caucus has to be established this year.
These are just two indicators from the National Report for the Convention on Biological Diversity published in March 2020 that, among various commitments, also pledges for a massive effort to ensure that by 2025, the "contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society and the private sector to the conservation and sustainable utilisation of biodiversity have increased significantly".
Top down targets must be built with Sepadu becoming the engine for more effective coordination and cooperation between different ministries and local governments and beyond, because we can't forget the imperative of involving the citizenry.
Strategic planning must win this governance challenge through a new type of policy-making that is able to involve and engage the people.
Putting in place the Agenda 2030 and, therefore, a more sustainable economic model that is less dependent on fossil fuels not only requires more effective state institutions at central and local levels, but also a new narrative that is optimistic and reassuring, rather than a scary one.
Turning Malaysia into a better place is not only a duty, but also an exciting challenge that each citizen must embrace.
A different education system able to embrace sustainability and equity is going to be key.
That's why Malaysia should look with great interest at the Unesco World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development that will take place this week.
After all, it is from the classrooms that the challenge starts. It is in schools and universities where Malaysians can find the long-term creativity, ingenuity, right mindset and behaviour that will be instrumental in meeting any new international pledges that will ensure more resilience and a stronger biodiversity.
The author writes on social inclusion, youth development, regional integration and the SDGs in the context of the Asia-Pacific.