GMS environment ministers endorse 2 vital documents to address key environmental challenges

Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) environment ministers or their representatives pose for group photos during the opening ceremony of the sixth GMS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, Sept. 13, 2024. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) — Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Environment Ministers or their representatives on Friday endorsed two important documents to address pressing environmental challenges, said a joint ministerial statement.
The 2030 Strategic Framework for Accelerating Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability in the GMS, and the Phnom Penh Joint Statement on Plastic Pollution Control were endorsed during the sixth GMS Environment Ministers’ Meeting held in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia.
“The strategic framework facilitates knowledge exchange, policy harmonization, and coordinated implementation of GMS-wide initiatives on climate and disaster resilience, greenhouse gas mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and environmental sustainability,” the statement said.
New initiatives will be developed to support the implementation of the strategic framework, it said, adding that these include an Asian Development Bank (ADB) technical assistance project and an investment pipeline that focuses on enhancing climate and disaster resilience, supporting a just and inclusive low-carbon transition, developing circular green economy, and promoting nature-based solutions.
For the joint statement on plastic pollution control, the statement said the escalating crisis of plastic pollution has impacted communities, economies, and ecosystems.
“The joint statement emphasizes key actions to reduce plastic waste and pollution, including encouraging the circular economy, developing sustainable alternatives to plastics, and raising environmental education and awareness among our citizens,” the statement said.
Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth said the two documents were a reflection of GMS countries’ joint commitment toward a greener, more sustainable future and provided clear roadmaps for regional cooperation in the coming years.
“These documents reflect our shared commitment to addressing key environmental challenges, from climate change to plastic pollution, and will guide our sub-regional cooperation,” he said.
“By endorsing them, we strengthen our partnership and take meaningful steps toward a sustainable and resilient future for the Greater Mekong Subregion,” Sophalleth added.
The six GMS countries include Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
According to the statement, the GMS environment ministers were acutely aware of the significant threats posed by climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource use, saying that these challenges demand urgent, coordinated action to ensure a sustainable future for the people and planet.
They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to accelerating climate action and promoting environmental sustainability.
“Through continued cooperation, innovation, and determination, we will work together to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for the Greater Mekong Subregion,” the statement said. ■

Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth (at the podium) speaks during the opening ceremony of the sixth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, Sept. 13, 2024. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)