(Bandar Seri Begawan, 6th) Datuk Juanda, Brunei Minister of Development, stated at the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment held in Langkawi, Malaysia, that Brunei aims to reduce the amount of garbage generated per person per day to 1 kilogram by 2035, and to increase the waste recycling rate to 30%.
He emphasized that this goal remains one of the national development priorities.
Minister Juanda pointed out that to achieve these goals, Brunei will continue implementing three main strategies: reducing waste generation through the “3R” principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle); raising public awareness of environmental protection; and promoting the adoption of waste resource utilization technologies. He reaffirmed that Brunei will unwaveringly push forward its environmental protection agenda, keeping in step with Brunei Vision 2035 and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
He said the “2024-2029 Strategic Plan” has clearly defined the country’s priorities, aiming to promote sustainable development, enhance climate resilience, and ensure responsible management of natural resources. This reflects Brunei’s determination to balance economic growth with environmental protection and the well-being of future generations.
Three recently passed national blueprints—the Social Blueprint, Economic Blueprint, and Manpower Blueprint—have further consolidated the country’s efforts in sustainable development, each emphasizing sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience, in line with ASEAN’s vision of peace and prosperity.
In terms of circular economy, the government launched the “Food Waste Management Initiative” on February 27, encouraging the public to compost food waste and convert it into fertilizer. However, plastic waste remains a challenge, accounting for 26% of total landfill volume, with plastic bottles making up 80% of the waste collected during clean-up activities.
On climate change, Brunei strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030, and plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Brunei will also serve as the host country for the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC), promoting regional policy and cooperation.
In addition, Brunei has designated 41% of its land as protected areas, far exceeding global benchmarks, and has pledged to plant 500,000 new trees by 2035; at the same time, Brunei will host the 24th ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally Sustainable Cities (AWGESC) meeting in 2026.
Minister Juanda concluded by stating that meeting environmental challenges depends on strong partnerships, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilization. Brunei will continue to work with ASEAN and international partners to build a greener and cleaner ASEAN community.
Minister Juanda pointed out that to achieve these goals, Brunei will continue implementing three main strategies: reducing waste generation through the “3R” principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle); raising public awareness of environmental protection; and promoting the adoption of waste resource utilization technologies. He reaffirmed that Brunei will unwaveringly push forward its environmental protection agenda, keeping in step with Brunei Vision 2035 and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
He said the “2024-2029 Strategic Plan” has clearly defined the country’s priorities, aiming to promote sustainable development, enhance climate resilience, and ensure responsible management of natural resources. This reflects Brunei’s determination to balance economic growth with environmental protection and the well-being of future generations.
Three recently passed national blueprints—the Social Blueprint, Economic Blueprint, and Manpower Blueprint—have further consolidated the country’s efforts in sustainable development, each emphasizing sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience, in line with ASEAN’s vision of peace and prosperity.
In terms of circular economy, the government launched the “Food Waste Management Initiative” on February 27, encouraging the public to compost food waste and convert it into fertilizer. However, plastic waste remains a challenge, accounting for 26% of total landfill volume, with plastic bottles making up 80% of the waste collected during clean-up activities.
On climate change, Brunei strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030, and plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Brunei will also serve as the host country for the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC), promoting regional policy and cooperation.
In addition, Brunei has designated 41% of its land as protected areas, far exceeding global benchmarks, and has pledged to plant 500,000 new trees by 2035; at the same time, Brunei will host the 24th ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally Sustainable Cities (AWGESC) meeting in 2026.
Minister Juanda concluded by stating that meeting environmental challenges depends on strong partnerships, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilization. Brunei will continue to work with ASEAN and international partners to build a greener and cleaner ASEAN community.