His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam emphasised the importance of addressing climate change in a number of meetings at the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday.
During the 18th East Asia Summit, His Majesty noted the significant loss of life and disrupted economic activities as a result of record high global temperatures and increased intensity of natural disasters.
The monarch urged the development of innovative policies and responses to address the impacts of climate change, while welcoming support in building the capacity of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change to facilitate practical cooperation on climate issues in the region.
At the 3rd ASEAN-Australia Summit, His Majesty said climate change is one of the biggest global challenges.
His Majesty said Australia’s assistance on the issue, including through their ‘Climate Change Action Strategy’, is welcomed.
The monarch said Australia’s support of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change was appreciated, and His Majesty looked forward to joint efforts through the centre to develop regional strategies and policy recommendations to address climate change.
Meanwhile, at the 13th ASEAN-United Nations Summit, His Majesty said climate change, along with continued geopolitical and socio-economic challenges, have disrupted progress towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Therefore, His Majesty said, more cooperation on environmental protection as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation, through the sharing of expertise and best practices with the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, is welcomed.
