JC3 Conference to focus on making climate projects bankable

The Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3) conference will concentrate on strategies to mobilize capital for bankable climate and nature projects. Policymakers, financial institutions, investors, and businesses will convene for the Journey to Zero Conference 2026, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur from September 28 to 29. The conference theme, “Building Climate and Nature Resilience for People and Business,” will explore practical methods to bridge funding gaps, enhance project bankability, and upscale commercially viable solutions, as climate and nature-related risks increasingly impact businesses and economic activity.

A significant focus will be on Malaysia's energy transition, with discussions on financing required for renewable energy deployment, supporting infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The conference will delve into how financial institutions can aid project development and offer suitable financing structures, drawing insights from both project owners and financiers on transforming innovative proposals into viable investment opportunities.

Additionally, the conference will address financing for climate adaptation and risk management, as businesses, communities, and economic activities face growing climate risks. Topics will encompass adaptation finance, climate-risk assessment, risk management, and the application of data analytics and disclosures to bolster preparedness for climate-related disruptions.

Nature-based financing will also be a key topic, encompassing nature-based solutions, the blue economy, carbon markets, and avenues for directing capital towards environmental benefits. The JC3 aims to transition Malaysia's climate and nature agenda from policy to practical financing and investment, with the conference marking a pivotal step in this endeavor.

Established in 2019, the JC3 is a collaborative platform for advancing climate resilience within Malaysia's financial sector. Co-chaired by Bank Negara Malaysia Assistant Governor Madelena Mohamed and Securities Commission Malaysia Chief Sustainability Officer Neetasha Rauf, the JC3 comprises senior officials from Bursa Malaysia and 25 financial industry stakeholders.

The committee operates through five sub-committees—risk management, governance and disclosure, product and innovation, engagement and capacity building, and bridging data gaps—while an SME Focus Group is working on strategies to support small and medium-sized enterprises in their transition.