South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened the 6th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Environment and Climate Change Dialogue via video conference, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation against climate risks and environmental degradation. The virtual gathering brought together senior environmental officials from all 11 ASEAN member states alongside Korean delegates from multiple government ministries and state agencies, marking six years of structured bilateral talks since the initiative began in 2021.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Junsik Hwang, Director-General for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Scientific Diplomacy at South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Prasert Sirinapaporn, Thailand's Assistant Minister of Natural Resources and Environment serving as the ASEAN Dialogue Coordinator.
Evaluating Current Projects and Regional Mitigation Strategies
During the virtual session, participating delegations reviewed the current implementation status of existing environmental projects and discussed strategies to tackle shared ecological challenges. South Korean officials outlined key domestic climate policies, highlighting the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets for 2035, ongoing national energy transition strategies, and comprehensive climate crisis adaptation measures. Seoul’s representatives emphasized that expanding environmental cooperation with Southeast Asian nations remains a core pillar of efforts to elevate the broader ASEAN-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into a more practical and future-oriented relationship.
The agenda included detailed progress reports on major bilateral cooperative frameworks, including joint efforts to combat air pollution, the establishment of integrated solid waste management systems, and cross-border forestry initiatives. South Korean delegates specifically urged ASEAN member states to maintain active engagement and cooperation regarding the ongoing ASEAN-Korea methane reduction initiative.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity and the ASEAN Climate Change Center
ASEAN representatives acknowledged South Korea’s financial and technical contributions toward strengthening environmental protection and climate resilience across Southeast Asia. Officials from the bloc highlighted the importance of expanded climate finance and expressed strong expectations for future collaborative frameworks anchored by the upcoming ASEAN Climate Change Center (ACCC), which is slated for establishment in Brunei Darussalam.
Both sides agreed to sustain mutually beneficial partnerships to address escalating environmental pressures and climate vulnerabilities.
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