BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam is actively working to operationalise the Asean Centre for Climate Change in Brunei, which will serve as a regional knowledge hub to strengthen collaboration on climate action.
In this regard, Brunei appreciates Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia’s (ERIA) partnership in jointly organising the Regional Workshop on Climate Change in Brunei this year.
His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said this receiving a courtesy call by President of ERIA Tetsuya Watanabe yesterday (Oct 26).
The monarch shared that Brunei is developing a national assessment to better understand the threat of climate change to the economy, food and water security, and biodiversity.
Brunei’s efforts are also focused on transitioning to a low-carbon, climate resilient economy by expanding renewable energy and clean technologies for industrial development.
In this regard, ERIA’s support through research collaboration and expert exchanges is welcomed. Brunei Darussalam and ERIA have a close and active partnership focused on several key areas, particularly energy, sustainable development, and digital innovation.
ERIA conducts research and provides policy recommendations to support Asean and the East Asia Summit (EAS), in which Brunei, as a member of Asean, leverages ERIA’s expertise to develop its economic strategy.
Sultan Hassanal also attended a bilateral meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa which took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia.
Accompanying the Ruler was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
During a bilateral meeting, Sultan Hassanal and the President of the European Council discussed the strong partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the European Union (EU), and the potential for deeper cooperation in digitalisation, maritime logistics, education and sustainable development.
The monarch expressed appreciation for the EU’s steadfast support for Asean centrality and community-building efforts. As Country Coordinator for the Asean-EU Dialogue Relations, Brunei remains committed to strengthening the Strategic Partnership through the Asean-EU Plan of Action (2023-2027) and look forward to hosting the Asean-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brunei next year (2026).
As host of the Asean Centre for Climate Change, Sultan Hassanal stated that Brunei is keen to promote greater collaboration in research, data-sharing and capacity building to strengthen regional action on climate change.
In this regard, Brunei looks forward to working closely with the EU in advancing renewable energy, green innovation and climate resilience.
The Ruler also welcomed the President of the European Council to visit Brunei at a mutually convenient date.
Brunei Darussalam and the EU have a long-standing diplomatic relationship, and Brunei currently serves as the Country Coordinator for the Asean-EU Strategic Partnership.
Characterised by cooperation in trade, sustainable development, and global issues, the relationship also encompasses cultural, educational, and security dialogue. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
