At the COP29 summit in Baku, Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen commended Malta's establishment of a new Climate Action Authority, describing it as "best practice" and the "first in Europe," the government said Thursday.

"I want to congratulate Malta on its very good new policy of a Climate Action Authority," Bowen stated during a side event co-organised by Malta, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. "It's good governance. It provides rigour. And I think Malta and Minister Dalli's achievements ought to be celebrated."

Malta's delegation, led by Minister Miriam Dalli, highlighted the nation's progress in developing a unified governance framework for climate action. The Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration across sectors and nations to tackle the global climate change challenges. "Climate change is a pressing global issue that affects us all," she noted. "We need bold and united responses."

The event focused on Malta's efforts to integrate climate action into all aspects of governance and society. "Climate action must take centre stage in every country's national agenda," Minister Dalli said.

Malta is taking ambitious steps to harness offshore wind and solar energy. Initiatives like the MED9 collaboration unite nine EU Mediterranean countries to make the region a hub for clean energy.

Central to Malta's approach is the Climate Action Authority, designed to unite government, the private sector, and society to meet decarbonisation goals by 2050. "Malta's new Climate Action Authority embodies this vision," she explained. "It will drive policies and unite all sectors to meet our decarbonisation goals."

CAA CEO Abigail Cutajar stressed the role of governance and collaboration in addressing climate change. "Our responsibility extends beyond legislation. It involves convincing authorities, organisations, investors, and citizens that long-term planning benefits everyone," she said.