Kuala lumpur: The ASEAN Plus Three Environment Ministers Meeting (APT-EMM) today underscored the urgent need to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss by enhancing regional and international cooperation. Japan’s Environment Minister Keiichiro Asao highlighted the necessity of transforming socio-economic systems to achieve sustainability and resilience.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Asao emphasized that optimizing synergies among various initiatives could effectively tackle on-the-ground challenges while setting a foundation for enduring sustainable development. ‘We are currently facing a triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Addressing these challenges requires transforming our socio-economic systems into ones that are both sustainable and resilient,’ he stated at the meeting.
Japan is committed to collaborating with countries and organizations worldwide to stress the significance of urban areas in addressing the triple crisis and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate objectives. Asao reiterated Japan’s dedication to strengthening cooperation with ASEAN member states and, in coordination with China and the Republic of Korea, leading global efforts towards decarbonization and the realization of sustainable societies.
Korea’s Environment Ministry Deputy Director-General Leejae Jang also emphasized ASEAN’s role as a crucial partner in tackling global challenges such as climate justice and advancing the common goal of sustainable development. ‘We are committed to strengthening cooperation in areas including climate change, biodiversity, and the circular economy,’ Jang stated.
Earlier, Acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani remarked at the 19th EMM that the discussions aim to deepen partnerships and deliver tangible outcomes benefiting the region while contributing to global environmental and climate goals. Johari noted that the EMM offers an opportunity to assess the progress of cooperation, exchange views on emerging environmental issues, and chart forward-looking pathways to enhance collaboration.
He further highlighted that the ASEAN Plus Three framework has been a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation, and partnership in addressing shared challenges. ‘Through initiatives such as the ASEAN Plus Three Marine Plastic Debris Cooperative Action Initiative, the ASEAN Plus Three Leadership Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production, capacity-building programmes, and support for ASEAN’s environmental strategies, our Plus Three partners have demonstrated their steadfast commitment to advancing regional sustainability,’ Johari concluded.