Langkawi: The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME) is recognized as a vital platform for fostering environmental cooperation among ASEAN member states, as it provides strategic guidance and policy direction for collaborative initiatives across the region. Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, emphasized the importance of AMME during his remarks at the 18th AMME at Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johari highlighted that with the support of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN), the AMME has bolstered its initiatives and policies to yield tangible benefits for both people and nature. The meeting not only reviews progress but also offers a significant opportunity for member states to reaffirm their collective commitment to action, expand partnerships, and chart a more ambitious and integrated path forward.
Johari stated, "We aim to strengthen regional cooperation on key environmental priorities through deeper cross-sectoral collaboration, particularly among AMME, ASOEN, and ASEAN sectoral bodies." He underscored the importance of finalizing ASEAN's common position ahead of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30) later this year. He urged ASEAN to unite as a region to effectively influence global climate discussions and to take a stronger stance on issues such as climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, just transition, and the Global Goal on Adaptation.
Johari also expressed ASEAN's eagerness to advance the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements relevant to the region, including the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) of the Global Plastics Treaty. He encouraged participants to use the opportunity to reflect on past successes while pushing forward with impactful purpose, building lasting partnerships, developing practical solutions, and demonstrating ASEAN's leadership in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future.
Additionally, Johari invited all ASEAN environment ministers and officials attending the meeting to experience the beauty of Langkawi and the essence of Malaysia. He shared that from Malaysia's pristine beaches and lush rainforests to its vibrant culture, local cuisine, and warm hospitality, attendees would discover what is proudly known as 'Malaysia, Truly Asia'.
The three-day AMME-18, which commenced the day before, gathers ASEAN environment ministers and senior officials to discuss regional cooperation on sustainability and inclusive environmental management.