Climate change, economic growth

Southeast Asian leaders train spotlight on

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and other Asean leaders yesterday adopted two statements reflecting their resolve towards combating climate change and sustaining the Southeast Asian economies' recovery and development.

His Majesty and the other heads of state, apart from Thailand's Premier Abhisit Vejjajiva who did not attend the meetings due to domestic political unrest, convened at the retreat session of the 16th Asean Summit held at Vietnam's National Convention Centre.

In the Asean leaders' statement, they shared the vision for an Asean Community that was resilient to climate change, while supporting national and global efforts that were in line with the various respective responsibilities and capabilities of the member states.

"We, the Asean heads of state and government, recognise that the Southeast Asian region is also vulnerable to climate change, which will seriously affect most aspects of livelihood and limit our development options for the future, including our efforts towards the achievement of the (UN) Millennium Development Goals," the statement said.

The leaders also tasked the newly-formed Asean Working Group on Climate Change, which was established last year, to develop a common understanding and position for the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) and Conference Parties serving as the Meeting of Parties (CMP).

They also agreed to step up scientific collaboration which would encompass the downscaling of the effects of climate change based on the greenhouse gas emissions scenarios for the region, a detailed climate change impact assessment, vulnerability assessment, adaptation options and needs for the region and sub-regions under it.

Research and development in ensuring food security through agricultural productivity and sustainable water resource management and adapting to the effects of climate change in these areas was another area the leaders agreed to engage in.

The leaders also considered the possibility of drafting an Asean Action Plan to better understand and respond to climate change.

"We, the Asean heads of state and government, commit ourselves to promoting programmes for raising domestic awareness on climate change and to inculcate habits towards a low emissions society, including through enhancement of education on climate change," the statement said.

Asean would also urge developed and developing countries to follow suit and take the initiative to combat climate change through the formulation of policies and setting targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, among others.

With regards to the leaders' statement on sustaining economic recovery and development in Asean, the leaders said, "We are determined for Asean to sustain its recovery in the aftermath of the global financial crisis and economic downturn".

"We, therefore, reaffirm our commitment towards regional integration and building the Asean Community and reaffirm our willingness and readiness to participate in coordinated efforts towards sustained global economic recovery," the statement read.

In ensuring financial stability and sustained recovery, the leaders agreed to cooperate in restoring the health of financial systems and maintaining supportive macroeconomic policies.

They also agreed to strengthen their capacities in monitoring early detection of "marco-financial risks and vulnerabilities".

"We note that as market conditions and economic outlook are improving, we need to consider the continued support of monetary and fiscal policies for sustained recovery and resumption of private credit flows in our economies," the statement said.

"We affirm the need to start working on mechanisms to reverse the fiscal and monetary stimulus and then phase out these policy accommodations".

The leaders also stressed on the development of the Asean Economic Community, reiterating their stance against protectionism and the need to open up Asean markets to enhance Asean economic integration.

Other areas highlighted include fostering infrastructure development, strengthening the network of social security systems, promoting "green growth" in sustainable development, enhancing education cooperation, narrowing the development gap, and increasing private sector cooperation.

After the Retreat, His Majesty joined other Asean leaders to meet President Nguyen Minh Tiret of Vietnam at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi.

His Majesty and other Asean leaders then attended a lunch hosted by the Vietnamese president.

His Majesty left Hanoi later in the afternoon. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Before departure, the doa selamat was read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Juned, the State Mufti.

The Brunei Times