Langkawi: The Preparatory Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN) for the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME-18) began today, with a call for enhanced regional cooperation to address pressing environmental challenges.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo, in his welcoming remarks, emphasised the crucial role of this meeting in ensuring the success of the forthcoming Ministerial Meeting. He highlighted the importance of reviewing the agenda and refining discussion points to allow ministers to focus effectively on their deliberations.

Ching stated that the preparatory work is a crucial step in ensuring that ASEAN continues to deliver tangible solutions and concrete outcomes for the region's people. As the host nation, Malaysia extends a warm welcome to all delegates and encourages them to experience Langkawi's cultural heritage and natural beauty beyond the formal sessions, which can help foster stronger friendships and deeper mutual understanding.

He expressed Malaysia's appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat and all delegations for their dedication, acknowledging their commitment to addressing environmental challenges and working towards a sustainable future. Ching noted the significant environmental challenges ASEAN continues to face, including climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, transboundary haze pollution, and unsustainable consumption and production patterns.

Ching added that climate change is intensifying, leading to more frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and threats to food, water, and energy security. He emphasized the need for stronger cooperation, enhanced enforcement, and innovative approaches such as the circular economy and green financing.

The three-day AMME-18, held at Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC) from today, will be convened alongside the 20th Meeting of the Conference of Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (COP-20 AATHP) and related meetings. The event brings together ASEAN environment ministers and senior officials to discuss regional cooperation on sustainability and inclusive environmental management.