Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Dato' Sri Zahari Abdul Ghani, pointed out that the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME) is an important platform for ASEAN member states to engage in environmental cooperation, providing strategic guidance and policy direction for regional joint initiatives.
He said that with the support of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment Meeting (ASOEN), AMME has strengthened its initiatives and policies, bringing tangible benefits to both humanity and nature.
He stated that AMME not only reviews progress, but also provides an important opportunity for member states to reaffirm their commitment to joint action, expand partnerships, and shape a more ambitious and comprehensive path for future development.
“Our goal is to strengthen regional cooperation on key environmental priorities through deeper cross-sectoral collaboration, especially among AMME, ASOEN, and various ASEAN sectoral bodies. Secondly, we aim to finalize ASEAN's common position ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP30), which will be held later this year.”
“We must unite as a region in order to effectively influence global climate negotiations. In this regard, ASEAN can and should take a firmer stance on issues such as climate financing, adaptation, loss and damage, just transition, as well as the Global Goal on Adaptation.”
Zahari Abdul Ghani made these remarks in his opening address at the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18) on Wednesday.
He added that ASEAN looks forward to promoting the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements relevant to the region, including the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), as well as progress in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on the Global Plastic Treaty.
“Let us take this opportunity not only to review past achievements, but also to continue moving forward with concrete actions. Together, we can build lasting partnerships, formulate pragmatic solutions, and demonstrate ASEAN's leadership in building a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future.”
Zahari also invited the attending ASEAN environment ministers and officials to take some time during the conference to experience the beauty of Langkawi and Malaysia's warm hospitality.
“From clean beaches and lush rainforests to vibrant culture, cuisine, and warm hospitality, we hope everyone can experience what we proudly call 'Malaysia, Truly Asia.'”
The 3-day 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment, beginning on Tuesday (2nd), brings together environment ministers and senior officials from ASEAN countries to jointly discuss regional cooperation on sustainable and inclusive environmental management.