Langkawi: The 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18) opened in Langkawi, Malaysia, focusing on regional cooperation to address environmental challenges. The event aims to lay a foundation for ASEAN countries to present a unified stance at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
According to Lao News Agency, Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability emphasized the objective of the conference to coordinate collective action for enhancing regional policies on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and climate change resilience. The anticipated outcome is the adoption of the ASEAN Joint Statement for COP30, showcasing the bloc’s unified position at global climate talks.
Dr. Ching Thoo, Secretary-General of Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, underscored the strategic importance of the preparatory meeting.
ASEAN faces environmental challenges like climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and threats to food, water, and energy security. He urged member countries to renew their commitment to sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness, advocating for closer cooperation and innovative approaches, such as circular economy and green finance.
The AMME-18 coincides with the 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. The event, running from September 2-4, includes around 200 delegates from the 10 member states, Timor Leste, and key dialogue partners like the European Union (EU) and Japan.
A notable agenda item is the proposed Southeast Asia Alliance Group within global climate negotiations to strengthen regional influence in shaping international climate policies. Updates are also expected on the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, the ASEAN Post-2025 Strategic Plan on the Environment, and the ASEAN Climate Change Strategic Action Plan.
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he meeting will explore regional collaboration on sustainability and inclusive environmental management, focusing on strengthening policies, strategies, and cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. Sessions with dialogue partners, including the EU and Japan, will emphasize technology sharing and best practices to advance sustainable development in the region.