SWITCH-Asia

The European Union (EU) is pleased to announce its commitment to supporting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in operationalizing the ASEAN Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Framework. Co-organised by Indonesia and the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme, the launch and meeting on the ASEAN SCP Framework was held on July 13, 2023, at the InterContinental Hotel, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as a side event of the 15th ASEAN Working Group on Environmental Education Meeting (AWGEE).

The SWITCH-Asia Programme, initiated by the EU in 2007, seeks to enhance the uptake of Sustainable Consumption and Production in the Asia-Pacific region. The programme's Policy Support Component (PSC) focuses on scaling up and mainstreaming SCP policies across 41 countries, including ASEAN member states. The PSC has a successful track record of providing technical assistance and played a crucial role in supporting ASEAN in formulating the ASEAN SCP Framework.

The ASEAN SCP Framework, endorsed in 2021, reflects the regional commitment to embed SCP principles in various sectors. It acknowledges the need for sustainable practices in the natural, built, financial, and digital environments. The Framework consists of four action lines:

Attended by 35 ASEAN representatives, the event aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the Framework among ASEAN member states and partner organisations. Led by Dr. Anthony Chiu, SWITCH-Asia expert, discussions focused on how to engage in the operationalization of the Framework based on the four action lines. Indonesia, as the National Focal Point for SCP in the AWGEE, presented the agreed scope of action for implementation of the Framework for deliberation at the 15th AWGEE being chaired by Cambodia and hosted by Malaysia.

H.E Michalis Rokas, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch event, emphasising the EU's commitment to working with ASEAN member states as strategic partners in achieving common goals. He highlighted the importance of SCP and circular economy concepts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reiterated the EU's support for the implementation of the ASEAN SCP Framework.

Ms. Yeri Permata Sari, Director of the Center for Facilitating the Implementation of Standards of Environment and Forestry Instruments representing the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in Indonesia also highlighted the importance of the ASEAN SCP Framework to facilitate the transition of ASEAN countries towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and circular economy.

The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, identify key actions, and engage stakeholders in driving sustainable consumption and production practices forward. It also marked a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between the EU and ASEAN, bringing us closer to a sustainable and resilient future.