Nga Kor Ming: Malaysia calls for better access to climate financing for secondary, intermediary cities at COP31

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has urged increased access to climate financing for secondary and intermediary cities, alongside enhanced investment in resilient housing to safeguard vulnerable communities from various climate-related threats. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming revealed during a statement today that these cities encounter hurdles in obtaining direct concessional financing and project preparation assistance.

To address this issue, Nga, who also serves as the president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly, outlined four key priorities: decreasing municipal investment risks, empowering local authorities to create bankable and implementation-ready projects, safeguarding vulnerable communities, and mobilizing innovative capital.

Nga emphasized this during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) Leaders Summit High-Level Dialogue on Urban Resilience, Adaptation and Climate Action held in Antalya, Turkiye. He expressed unwavering support for Turkiye's Sustainable Urban Resilience Financing Facility (SURFF), urging international financial institutions to expand the initiative.

Nga highlighted Malaysia's efforts in translating national climate ambitions into practical improvements for communities, such as constructing multipurpose sponge parks that absorb heavy rainfall while offering green public spaces, and retrofitting social housing with solar installations and green features. He stressed that climate-proof social housing must protect vulnerable communities while remaining accessible to those who require it most.

Nga reiterated that adaptation is not an expense; it is a fundamental necessity for survival. At both the UN-Habitat Assembly and Malaysia, the message is clear: Antalya must be the summit where promises become reality, policies result in protection, and ambition transforms into action. The world no longer seeks mere rhetoric; what is required is swift action to prevent devastation, expedite implementation, and achieve enduring urban transformation.

He also called upon leaders to substantiate national climate commitments with financing and local-level implementation, ensuring that global ambitions yield tangible protection for communities.