Myanmar Participates in 18th ASEAN Environment Ministers' Meeting and Related Sessions

Strategic Insights -

Myanmar's delegation, led by Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Min Thu, joined regional and international partners at the 18th ASEAN Environment Ministers' Meeting (AMME) in Malaysia from September 2 to 4. The meetings reviewed regional progress on key environmental issues, including biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and waste management. A notable highlight was the 20th ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Ministers' Meeting (COP-20 AATHP), which examined implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and the 2023-2030 Action Plan. Myanmar also engaged in several ministerial dialogues with external partners, including the inaugural ASEAN-EU Ministerial Dialogue, which addressed climate adaptation, carbon markets, and plastic pollution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Myanmar's Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, U Min Thu, led the country's delegation to the 18th ASEAN Environment Ministers' Meeting (AMME).
  • The meetings reviewed regional progress on biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, coastal and water management, sustainable urban development, waste management, and environmental education.
  • The 20th ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Ministers' Meeting (COP-20 AATHP) examined implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and the 2023-2030 Action Plan.
  • Myanmar reported a 25 percent reduction in fire hotspots and haze pollution across the Mekong region between December 2024 and May 2025 compared to the previous year.
  • Preparations were discussed for the 21st ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Ministers' Meeting (COP-21), to be hosted by Vietnam in 2026.
  • Myanmar participated in ministerial dialogues with external partners, including the inaugural ASEAN-Japan dialogue, which focused on the ASEAN Strategic Plan on Environment (SPACE) and future cooperation.
  • The 19th ASEAN Plus Three meeting with Japan, South Korea, and China reviewed initiatives on marine plastic pollution, sustainable consumption, and environmental frameworks extending to 2030.

Statistics:

  • 18th ASEAN Environment Ministers' Meeting (AMME) took place in Malaysia from September 2 to 4.
  • 20th ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Ministers' Meeting (COP-20 AATHP) held to examine implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and the 2023-2030 Action Plan.
  • 25 percent reduction in fire hotspots and haze pollution across the Mekong region between December 2024 and May 2025 compared to the previous year.
  • 2026: Vietnam to host the 21st ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Ministers' Meeting (COP-21).
  • 2030: Environmental frameworks extending to 2030 reviewed in the 19th ASEAN Plus Three meeting with Japan, South Korea, and China.

Sources:

  • "Myanmar Participates in 18th ASEAN Environment Ministers' Meeting and Related Sessions" (no source specified)
  • ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Environment Ministers' Meeting (AMME)
  • 20th ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Ministers' Meeting (COP-20 AATHP)