Vientiane, 24 August 2023: An ERIA delegation led by Chief Operating Officer Mr Koji Hachiyama attended the ASEAN+3 Environment Ministers Meeting (APT EMM) and ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Dialogue on Environmental Cooperation (AJMDEC), and also took part in a number of salient activities during ASEAN-Japan Environment Week, on 22-24 August, all at the National Convention Centre, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Summary
APT EMM/AJMDEC
Mr Hachiyama gave progress reports to the APT EMM and AJMDEC on 24 August, highlighting the many achievements of ERIA and its Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris (the Centre) since the 17th APT EMM in 2021.
Marine Plastic Debris Regional Knowledge Sharing
ERIA, in partnership with the Institute for Global Environment Strategies (IGES), co-organised a thematic seminar on 23 August as part of ASEAN-Japan Environment Week, sharing ASEAN’s experiences and identifying opportunities to further enhance efforts to reduce marine plastics debris (MPD), within the context of the forthcoming global plastics treaty.
Private Sector and Plastic Waste Reduction
ERIA also organised a seminar on 23 August focusing on the private sector’s role in plastic waste reduction in Lao PDR. Showcasing efforts undertaken by private companies, the seminar was held in collaboration with the nation’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), which is preparing the National Plastics Action Plan for 2023-2030.
ASEAN-Japan Cooperation
The ASEAN-Japan Cooperation Symposium on 24 August laid out Japan’s support for a number of environmental fields, including climate change and biodiversity. Mr Reo Kawamura, ERIA's Director for Environmental Policy and the Centre Director, introduced the new ASEAN-Japan Cooperation Action Agenda on Plastic Pollution, and explained the pivotal roles ERIA will continue to play in its implementation on the ground.
Business Expo Booth
ERIA held a booth at the convention centre, alongside those of other organisations and businesses, throughout ASEAN-Japan Environment Week. The booth attracted more than 75 visitors who took a keen interest in ERIA’s marine plastic debris-related activities. ERIA had the honour of welcoming H E Ms Bounkham Vorachit, Lao PDR's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment; H E Mr Akihiro Nishimura, Japan’s Minister of the Environment; and H E Mr Kenichi Kobayashi, Ambassador of Japan to Lao PDR, to the booth.
Business Pitch Sessions
ERIA also took part in the ASEAN-Japan Environment Week Business Pitch sessions, outlining its continued efforts to promote private sector work to reduce plastic waste in the ASEAN+3 region, and invited visitors to take part in the Centre's growing Private Sector Platform.
Programme Manager
Vientiane, 24 August 2023: An ERIA delegation led by Chief Operating Officer Mr Koji Hachiyama attended the ASEAN+3 Environment Ministers Meeting (APT EMM) and ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Dialogue on Environmental Cooperation (AJMDEC), and also took part in a number of salient activities during ASEAN-Japan Environment Week, on 22-24 August, all at the National Convention Centre, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Summary
APT EMM/AJMDEC
Mr Hachiyama gave progress reports to the APT EMM and AJMDEC on 24 August, highlighting the many achievements of ERIA and its Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris (the Centre) since the 17th APT EMM in 2021.
Marine Plastic Debris Regional Knowledge Sharing
ERIA, in partnership with the Institute for Global Environment Strategies (IGES), co-organised a thematic seminar on 23 August as part of ASEAN-Japan Environment Week, sharing ASEAN’s experiences and identifying opportunities to further enhance efforts to reduce marine plastics debris (MPD), within the context of the forthcoming global plastics treaty.
Private Sector and Plastic Waste Reduction
ERIA also organised a seminar on 23 August focusing on the private sector’s role in plastic waste reduction in Lao PDR. Showcasing efforts undertaken by private companies, the seminar was held in collaboration with the nation’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), which is preparing the National Plastics Action Plan for 2023-2030.
ASEAN-Japan Cooperation
The ASEAN-Japan Cooperation Symposium on 24 August laid out Japan’s support for a number of environmental fields, including climate change and biodiversity. Mr Reo Kawamura, ERIA's Director for Environmental Policy and the Centre Director, introduced the new ASEAN-Japan Cooperation Action Agenda on Plastic Pollution, and explained the pivotal roles ERIA will continue to play in its implementation on the ground.
Business Expo Booth
ERIA held a booth at the convention centre, alongside those of other organisations and businesses, throughout ASEAN-Japan Environment Week. The booth attracted more than 75 visitors who took a keen interest in ERIA’s marine plastic debris-related activities. ERIA had the honour of welcoming H E Ms Bounkham Vorachit, Lao PDR's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment; H E Mr Akihiro Nishimura, Japan’s Minister of the Environment; and H E Mr Kenichi Kobayashi, Ambassador of Japan to Lao PDR, to the booth.
Business Pitch Sessions
ERIA also took part in the ASEAN-Japan Environment Week Business Pitch sessions, outlining its continued efforts to promote private sector work to reduce plastic waste in the ASEAN+3 region, and invited visitors to take part in the Centre's growing Private Sector Platform.
Programme Manager
