THE 18th ASEAN Environment Ministers’ Meeting (AMME) and related sessions, along with the 20th ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Ministers’ Meeting (COP-20 AATHP), are being held from 2 to 4 September under a hybrid format hosted by Malaysia. Myanmar’s delegation, led by Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Min Thu, is participating online.
Environment ministers, senior officials, and representatives from ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat are attending the meetings.
In the first session of the 18th AMME yesterday, Malaysia’s Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, and Myanmar Deputy Minister U Min Thu delivered opening remarks. ASEAN environment ministers and secretariat officials then presented national statements. The rotating chair of senior ASEAN environmental officials, represented by the Philippines, reported on biodiversity conservation, coastal management, water resource protection, climate change mitigation, sustainable urban development, chemical waste management, environmental education, and sustainable production and consumption.
The 20th ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Ministers’ Meeting followed, reviewing the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and its implementation strategies, including the 2023-2030 Action Plan and the ASEAN Regional Fire Management Strategy. Discussions also covered member states’ implementation measures, collaboration with development partners, and monitoring by the ASEAN Meteorological Department. Reports indicated that fire hotspots and transboundary haze pollution in the Mekong region during the dry season from December 2024 to May 2025 decreased by approximately 25 per cent compared to 2024. Preparations were also discussed for the 21st ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled to be held in Vietnam in 2026. — MNA/ KZL
