Brunei’s National Climate Change Policy, announced in 2020, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2035 compared to business-as-usual. Similarly, South Korea targets a 40-per-cent from 2018 levels by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
This was said by Korean Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Kim Soung-eun at the ROK-BN-ASEAN Joint Seminar, where he added that Korea has accelerated its efforts based on the 1st National Carbon Neutral and Green Growth Basic Plan, established in April 2023.
The seminar, held at the lecture theatre of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) yesterday, was organised by the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) and sponsored by the Embassy of South Korea to Brunei Darussalam, KEI and Brunei Climate Change Office.
The ambassador emphasised the significance of the seminar as the two countries celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties, having collaborated in various fields such as infrastructure, energy and education, and recently in smart cities, information and communications technology and climate change. Meanwhile, the partnership for ASEAN-ROK methane action (PARMA) was signed last July, launched during the ASEAN-Korea Foreign Ministers’ Meeting where this partnership exemplifies the cooperation between Korea and ASEAN in addressing the global challenges of climate change.
“Through today’s seminar, I expect you to share climate change response strategies from Korea and Brunei, support the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC) in Brunei, explore ways to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen Korea-ASEAN relations,” he said.
The opening event yesterday was attended by Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the PMO Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib alongside Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin; President of KEI Dr Chang Hoon Lee and Director of Sustainable Development Directorate of ASEAN Secretariat K Anh Nguyen.
The event also featured a keynote speech by Dr Chang Hoon Lee followed by presentations and roundtable discussion on regional cooperation for ACCC.
The event drew 100 participants from both in person and online. – Lyna Mohamad
