ASEAN and EU Commit to Collaborative Efforts for Environmental Sustainability, Declares Malaysian Minister

Asean and EU: A Collaborative Path to Environmental Sustainability

In a recent meeting, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani emphasized the need for closer collaboration between Asean and the European Union (EU) on environmental issues. Speaking at the First Asean-EU Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change, he stressed that both regions share similar challenges and aspirations when it comes to sustainability.

This dialogue took place during the 18th Asean Ministerial Meeting on the Environment, highlighting the urgent need for joint action. Asean’s environment ministers from 12 member countries attended. The EU was represented by Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra, and Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resilience.

Johari pointed out that Asean can learn from the EU’s European Green Deal and its goal for carbon neutrality. By adopting similar initiatives, Southeast Asia can effectively work toward sustainable development.

“Our regions, though geographically distant, face many of the same environmental challenges,” Johari noted. “This dialogue is a chance to create a strong framework for cooperation, share best practices, and tackle issues like plastic pollution and climate change together.”

Jessika Roswall echoed these sentiments, stating that environmental problems cross borders and need international solutions. “The connection between our regions is deepened not just by our challenges but also by the shared opportunities we can seize,” she said.

Wopke Hoekstra raised an alarming statistic, pointing out that 2024 has already surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, making it the warmest year recorded. He warned that the pace of global climate action is slow, affecting everyone.

“It’s time to be more ambitious. Our discussions today reaffirm our commitment to support both domestic and international climate initiatives,” he said.

The importance of this dialogue is heightened by Malaysia’s role as the Asean chair this year, promoting the themes of inclusivity and sustainability. The upcoming 47th Asean Summit, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur this October, is expected to be one of the largest gatherings in the organization’s history, further emphasizing the commitment to collaboration on environmental issues.

As the world grapples with climate change, regional partnerships like the one between Asean and the EU are crucial. They can serve as a pivotal step toward a healthier planet.

For more insights on climate change initiatives, check out this report from the UN.

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