LANGKAWI: Realising that sustaining the environment must be a borderless effort, Asean will cooperate with three global powers to tackle issues on climate and waste, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said the South East Asian regional bloc would work together with China, Japan, and South Korea.
Johari, who is also Plantations and Commodities Minister, said this in his opening speech Thursday (Sept 4) while chairing the 19th Asean Plus Three Environment Ministers Meeting (EMM) here on the sidelines of the 18th Asean Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18).
He said that among the complex environmental challenges faced by the region are climate change, biodiversity loss, marine plastic pollution, transboundary haze, and the urgent need to advance circular economy solutions.
“This Meeting takes place at a time when our region continues to confront pressing and complex environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, marine plastic pollution, transboundary haze, and the urgent need to advance circular economy solutions. These challenges cut across borders and demand collective action, solidarity, and innovation.
“Over the years, the Asean Plus Three framework has served as a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation, and partnership in addressing these shared challenges. Through initiatives such as the Asean Plus Three Marine Plastic Debris Cooperative Action Initiative, Asean Plus Three Leadership Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production, capacity-building programmes, and support for Asean’s environmental strategies, our Plus Three partners have demonstrated their steadfast commitment to advancing regional sustainability,” said Johari.
He stated that the 19th EMM will be reviewing the cooperation progress, and exchange views on emerging and cross-cutting environmental issues.
“We will also chart practical and forward-looking pathways to strengthen the collaboration,” said Johari.
Also in attendance were environment ministers from all Asean countries as well as representatives from China, Japan and South Korea.
China was represented by Ecology and Environment Ministry deputy director-general Dandan Cui, Japan was represented by its environment minister Keechiro Asao and South Korea was represented by Leejae Jang, deputy director-general of its environment ministry.
Malaysia is this year’s Asean chair and will host the summit under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
The 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur this October, is set to be one of the largest in the grouping's history.
