ASEAN is advancing environmental cooperation with regional partners China, Japan, and South Korea, reinforcing collective action on climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and circular economy strategies. This commitment was underscored during the 19th ASEAN+3 Environment Ministers’ Meeting (EMM), held in conjunction with the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment.
Key Highlights from the Summit
- Expanding Multilateral Green Platforms
Acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, emphasized that ASEAN+3 mechanisms remain vital platforms for environmental collaboration, dialogue, and shared innovation. - Delivering Action Through Joint Initiatives
Key regional efforts highlighted include:- The ASEAN+3 Marine Plastic Debris Cooperative Action Initiative, targeting marine waste reduction
- The ASEAN+3 Leadership Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production, promoting circular economy ideals
- Multinational capacity-building programs supporting ASEAN environmental strategiesThe Star
- Charting a Path Forward
Ahead of the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN is laying the groundwork for practical, forward-looking pathways to deepen environmental collaboration with East Asian partners. These initiatives will form a foundational pillar under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Why This Matters
- Geographic Scope & Urgency: Environmental threats like transboundary haze, marine pollution, and biodiversity degradation span national boundaries and require coordinated regional responses.
- Strategic Value of ASEAN+3 Framework: These multilateral platforms strengthen the region’s resilience against environmental threats by facilitating knowledge sharing and joint solutions.
- Support for ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship Goals: This initiative reflects Malaysia’s commitment to steering ASEAN toward sustainable, inclusive prosperity in line with its leadership priorities and regional unity.
About ASEAN Environment Ministers’ Meetings
The ASEAN+3 EMM serves as a key forum for high-level environmental dialogue, bringing together environment ministers from ASEAN countries and East Asian partners—including China, Japan, and South Korea—to jointly address shared sustainability challenges and co-design impactful solutions
