LANGKAWI: The 18th Asean Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18), commencing today, is set to serve as a platform for the bloc’s unified voice at the upcoming 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30).
The meeting is also expected to culminate in the adoption of the Asean Joint Statement for COP30, a key outcome as member states prepare to present a united front in global climate negotiations.
“At the same time, a dialogue session between the COP30 president-designate Andre Aranha Correa do Lago and Asean environment ministers will also take place,” the ministry said.
In line with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, the meeting is conducted through the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and will run from Sept 2 to 4 at the Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC).
Among other matters on the agenda throughout the three-day meeting is the proposed establishment of a Southeast Asia Alliance Group within the global climate negotiation process, designed to strengthen the region’s influence in shaping international climate policies.
Progress updates are also expected on the establishment of the Asean Centre for Climate Change (ACCC), the formulation of the Asean Post-2025 Strategic Plan on the Environment, and the Asean Climate Change Strategic Action Plan.
The meeting will bring together more than 200 delegates from the 10 member states, Timor-Leste and dialogue partners, including the European Union (EU), China, South Korea and Japan.
The AMME-18 will also be held alongside the 20th Meeting of the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) Conference of the Parties (COP) and related meetings.
Asean environment ministers and senior officials will discuss regional cooperation on sustainability and inclusive environmental management, aimed at coordinating collective action to strengthen policies, strategies and regional cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of natural resources and climate resilience.
Meanwhile, sessions with dialogue partners, the EU, China, South Korea and Japan, will focus on cooperation in environment and climate change, with emphasis on sharing technology and best practices to advance sustainable development in the region.
Several side programmes will also take place, including the EU-funded Asean Flagship Initiative on Biodiversity and Climate Change and a Unicef-led session on the Asean Children and Youth Climate Summit 2025.
This year’s AMME will also highlight sustainability in line with the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Asean Sustainable Initiatives, issued by NRES, with a focus on reducing carbon footprints, efficient resource use and responsible waste management.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
