AMME - Key Platform For Environmental Cooperation - Johari 

LANGKAWI, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME) serves as a key platform for environmental cooperation among member states, providing strategic guidance and policy direction for joint initiatives across the region.

Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said that with the support of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN), AMME has strengthened its initiatives and policies to deliver tangible benefits for both people and nature.

He noted that AMME not only reviews progress but also provides an important opportunity for member states to reaffirm their collective commitment to action, expand partnerships, and shape a more ambitious and integrated path forward.

“We aim to strengthen regional cooperation on key environmental priorities through deeper cross-sectoral collaboration, particularly among AMME, ASOEN and ASEAN sectoral bodies. Secondly, we seek to finalise 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.

“We must unite as a region to effectively influence global climate discussions. In this view, ASEAN can and should take a stronger stance on issues such as climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, just transition and the Global Goal on Adaptation,” he said during his opening remarks at the 18th AMME at Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC), here today.

He said ASEAN looks forward to advancing 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.

“Let us use this opportunity not only to reflect on our past successes but also to push forward with impactful purpose. Together, we can build lasting partnerships, develop practical solutions, and demonstrate ASEAN's leadership in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future,” he said.

Johari also extended a warm invitation to all ASEAN environment ministers and officials attending the meeting to take time to experience the beauty of Langkawi and the true spirit of Malaysia.

“From our pristine beaches and lush rainforests to our vibrant culture, local cuisine, and warm hospitality, we hope you will discover what we proudly call ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’,” he said.

The three-day AMME-18, held from yesterday, brings together ASEAN environment ministers and senior officials to discuss regional cooperation on sustainability and inclusive environmental management.

-- BERNAMA