Malaysia pushes for climate finance access for secondary cities at COP31

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has made a formal appeal at international climate talks for enhanced access to climate financing mechanisms for secondary and intermediary urban centres, arguing that such cities have been overlooked in global climate funding frameworks.

The call highlights a significant gap in climate finance distribution, with smaller cities often struggling to navigate complex application processes and funding requirements designed for larger metropolitan areas or national governments. Malaysia contends that secondary cities face mounting pressures from climate impacts while lacking the resources and technical capacity of major urban centres.

Climate financing for developing nations remains a critical issue in global climate negotiations, as countries seek to balance mitigation and adaptation efforts. Secondary cities, which house significant populations across South and Southeast Asia, require targeted support to implement climate resilience measures and transition to sustainable infrastructure.

The intervention reflects growing recognition that climate action must extend beyond major cities to encompass the diverse urban landscapes across developing economies. Improved access to climate finance would enable smaller cities to invest in green infrastructure, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development initiatives aligned with international climate commitments.

Malaysia's position adds to ongoing discussions about reforming global climate finance mechanisms to ensure more equitable and accessible funding for cities of all sizes in the region.