Vientiane, Aug. 23, 2023 (Xinhua/NAN) The 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment kicked off, with an aim to discuss an advanced regional environmental cooperation and integration to achieve the 2030 Agenda’s goals for sustainable development.
The ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would examine how the framework for environmental cooperation had been implemented, with a focus on climate change, chemicals, waste and biological diversity.
“It will also foster collaboration for environmentally friendly and sustainable development, Lao Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit, said at the opening ceremony in Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday.
The meeting would review the progress and achievements of ASEAN Cooperation on Environment and seven environmental strategic priorities of the working groups.
This would be done under ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment and the works of the Governing Board of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity.
They would also discuss further cooperative activities, make recommendations, and propose a solution for advancing the ASEAN framework for environmental cooperation.
The ASEAN region, rich in natural resources and biodiversity, had good conditions for the socio-economic development of ASEAN member countries.
“But over the past several decades, ASEAN has experienced many catastrophes, such as climate change, flooding, and pollution, which has greatly affected the environment and people’s lives, Bounkham said.
She expressed hope that with the determination, efforts and responsibility of the delegates, the meeting would reach an agreement and propose an accurate, effective and practical policy to address environmental concerns in the region. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
