The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), in a statement on July 22, said the meeting serves as ASEAN's highest technical platform on environmental matters, bringing together senior officials from all 10 member states to strengthen regional policies, strategies and cooperation on environmental protection.
Malaysia to host the 36th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN-36). (Photo: newswav.com)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) 𒊎- Malaysia will host the 36th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN-36) in Langkawi, Kedah, from July 28 - 31, in conjunction with the country's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), in a statement on July 22, said the meeting serves as ASEAN's highest technical platform on environmental matters, bringing together senior officials from all 10 member states to strengthen regional policies, strategies and cooperation on environmental protection.
It said that ASOEN-36 will focus on biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of natural resources and joint actions to address climate change.
The four-day meeting will commence with discussions on the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change, which will be presented at the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30), to ensure a more unified ASEAN voice in global climate negotiations.
This will be followed by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) Governing Board Meeting to deliberate on strategic direction, policies, programme implementation, and other aspects related to the management of the ACB in preserving regional biodiversity.
According to the NRES, the programme will also include the 19th ASEAN-Japan Dialogue on Environmental Cooperation (AJDEC), as well as dialogues with the Republic of Korea (RoK), the European Union and the United States.
ASOEN-36 will involve seven technical working groups covering areas such as biodiversity, climate change, waste management, sustainable cities, and water resource management. A joint meeting with ASEAN Plus Three dialogue partners - China, Japan and the RoK - will also take place.
The ministry said the hosting of ASOEN-36 provides Malaysia with an opportunity to showcase its environmental sustainability initiatives and achievements, while strengthening regional diplomacy in line with the Malaysia MADANI principles.
It said this edition of ASOEN also emphasises sustainability in line with the Guideline for the Implementation of the ASEAN Sustainable Initiatives issued by the NRES, focusing on carbon footprint reduction, efficient resource use and responsible waste management.
The NRES added that ASOEN-36 builds on the outcomes of the 35th ASOEN Meeting held in Vientiane, Laos, and continues the mandate of advancing environmental issues for further discussion at the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME).
The statement added that the NRES hopes ASOEN-36 will accelerate collective actions and further strengthen regional collaboration towards more holistic and sustainable environmental protection./.
The 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME 17) and related meetings have agreed to prioritise the strengthening of regional cooperation in climate change response, biodiversity conservation, plastic waste pollution, and sustainable urban development.
Environment officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Lao capital Vientiane on August 23 to discuss some environment-related issues and enhance cooperation in solving transboundary haze pollution.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Jantararuangtong said that participants at the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) have agreed that online fraud and call centre gangs are urgent issues that require a collective effort to address.
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Indonesia has officially launched its Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SPK) through a collaboration between Bank Indonesia, the Ministry of Finance, and the Financial Services Authority (OJK).
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The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Training on August 12 hosted a ceremony and exhibition marking the 75th anniversary of Mass Media and Publishing Day (August 13, 1950 – 2025).
Analysis by an economist found the US tariffs may reduce Thailand's exports by 8.16 billion USD, and when factoring in the trade diversion effect, they could drop by 457 billion THB (14.14 billion USD) this year.
Laos has reaffirmed its strong commitment to protecting forests and enhancing climate change adaptation, calling for deeper regional cooperation to safeguard ecosystems and promote sustainable development.
The import restriction will remain in effect until further notice, depending on developments in disease prevention and control efforts in affected countries, according to the Philippine Department of Agriculture.
Addressing the event, Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Bebeb A.K.N. Djundjunan, who is now holding the ACAT rotating chairmanship, highlighted ASEAN’s message on a more united, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable association. He reviewed key achievements of the group, such as community building and expanded cooperation with global partners.
The Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) has become a key mechanism in narrowing development gaps among member states, helping the CLMV fully implement the joint commitments and comprehensively participate in the bloc’s integration and community building processes.
Four other major Thai destinations - Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai - also ranked among the region’s top cities for repeat visits, reflecting Thailand’s diversity and enduring appeal for travellers of all types.
In its Pre-Budget Statement 2026, the ministry stated that growth will be anchored by resilient domestic demand, particularly through private investment, stable employment, and income-enhancing measures such as targeted cash transfers and wage increases.
