The European Union (EU) launched the EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Weeks 2024 on 27 October with a five-kilometer run titled “EU-ASEAN Green Transition for a Sustainable Planet,” or GET UP and MOVE. Led by EU Ambassador to ASEAN, Sujiro Seam, the event saw around 500 participants take to the streets in Jakarta.
“The EU is committed to supporting our partners in their green transitions, including ASEAN Member States,” Ambassador Seam said. “Today’s event underscores our pledge to work with ASEAN for a greener, more inclusive future. We hope to inspire individuals, communities, and organizations to take stronger actions to protect, preserve, and restore our environment now and for future generations.”
The EU Green Diplomacy Week is part of a global EU initiative to foster climate cooperation and inspire meaningful action. This annual campaign has grown into a major opportunity for the EU and its Member States to host climate events worldwide, encouraging dialogue and showcasing sustainability initiatives.
“ASEAN has shown steadfast commitment to climate action, including through multi sectoral dialogue with key partners,” said Jihan Abdul Rahman, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Brunei Darussalam to ASEAN, Country Coordinator for ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations.
She cited the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change as a key effort to coordinate climate efforts across Southeast Asia.
“By focusing on sustainable transport, pollution reduction, and a just transition, ASEAN and its partners, including the EU, are building a region more resilient to climate change,” she said.
The Jakarta run event marks the start of the EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Weeks 2024, with similar events planned across Southeast Asia to promote climate action. The gathering featured exhibitions on EU-ASEAN projects, booths by EU Member States, and mini talk shows. Topics included the circular economy, biodiversity, sustainable landscapes, and the impact of climate change on women, with insights shared by ASEAN youth leaders.
Yulia Ratnasari, Founder of Karbon Biru and advocate for carbon sequestering and coastal biodiversity protection, highlighted the role of ASEAN youth saying, “ASEAN is rich in biodiversity and long coastlines. It’s our responsibility to ensure development is inclusive and protects our coastal communities and biodiversity.”
The European Union is an economic and political union comprising 27 Member States with a population of 447 million. Together, these countries have created a zone of stability, democracy, and sustainable development that celebrates cultural diversity, tolerance, and individual freedom. In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting peace, reconciliation, democracy, and human rights across Europe.
As the world’s largest trading bloc and the top global source and recipient of foreign direct investment, the EU plays a significant role in the global economy. Collectively, the EU and its Member States are also the largest providers of Official Development Assistance (ODA), contributing over half of global ODA.
