Myanmar’s Minister attends ASEAN environment meetings

Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MoNREC) U Khin Maung Yi led Myanmar’s delega­tion at the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment and the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transboundary Haze Pollution Control. These meetings, aimed at enhancing ASEAN collabora­tion, were held in Laos from 22 to 24 August.

The event brought together environmental ministers from ASEAN member states and partners like Japan, South Ko­rea, China, and the United States. The opening ceremony occurred on 23 August in Laos’ National Convention Centre, attended by ministers, deputy ministers, and officials from the ASEAN Secre­tariat among others.

During the meetings, discus­sions revolved around crucial top­ics such as regional environmen­tal cooperation, climate change declarations for UNFCCC COP28, ASEAN’s Clean and Green School Award, and strategies for haze pollution and peatland management. Union Minister U Khin Maung Yi emphasized Myanmar’s forest conservation efforts and the importance of re­newable energy projects in rural areas.

The Union minister also ex­pressed Myanmar’s full support for the ASEAN Coordination Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control. The evening witnessed award ceremonies and recognition of Myanmar’s con­tributions, including the ASEAN Clean and Green School Award and the ASEAN Youth Environ­mental Protection Championship award.

Among the winners, Myan­mar’s Basic Education Primary School in Dauntkwe village of the Ayeyawady Region secured the ASEAN Clean and Green School Award (2023). Dr Kaung Htet Swan was honoured with the ASEAN Youth Environmental Protection Championship (2023) in the Senior Category.

As the meetings concluded, the Union minister participated in the handover ceremony for the ASEAN Centre on Climate Change and the ASEAN Coordi­nation Centre on Transbounda­ry Haze Pollution Control to the ASEAN Secretariat. Myanmar’s involvement in these discussions highlights its commitment to re­gional environmental coopera­tion and sustainable practices. — MNA/TS