Indonesia Pushes Regional Climate Cooperation at UN ESCAP Forum

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has called for stronger regional collaboration to confront the climate crisis, using the 9th Session of the Committee on Environment and Development (CED9) in Bangkok, Thailand, as a platform to emphasize integrated action across Asia-Pacific.

The meeting, hosted by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), brought together 52 member states, including 11 ministers and deputy ministers.

Indonesian Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono led Indonesia’s delegation, underscoring the country’s active role in advancing sustainable development.

“Environmental protection and economic growth must go hand in hand. Only through stronger regional cooperation can we build a resilient and sustainable Asia-Pacific,” Diaz said in a statement on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia highlighted its integrated approach to sustainability, including mangrove and peatland restoration, promotion of circular and blue economy initiatives, sustainable water resource management, and community-based climate adaptation.

These efforts reflect Indonesia’s commitment to aligning environmental protection with economic progress.

The forum also addressed key issues such as air quality, water resource management, and policy integration between environment and development.

Indonesia participated in a side event titled “Accelerating Integrated Climate Action in Asia and the Pacific: Regional Cooperation for Blue Carbon Finance” on July 2–3, where the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries shared experiences in developing blue carbon finance to support ecosystem-based climate action.

Indonesia’s delegation--comprising representatives from the Environment Ministry, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, and the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok--used the forum to strengthen regional partnerships and share best practices.

CED9 concluded with the adoption of two major documents: the Ministerial Declaration on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific 2026 and the Regional Programme of Action on Advancing Synergies for Sustainable Development. Both are expected to guide collective efforts in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient Asia-Pacific region. ***