Laos pushes for stronger cooperation in forest protection, climate change adaptation
Laos has reaffirmed its strong commitment to protecting forests and enhancing climate change adaptation, calling for deeper regional cooperation to safeguard ecosystems and promote sustainable development.
The 28th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF 28) is held in Luang Prabang, Laos. (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – Laos has reaffirmed its strong commitment to protecting forests and enꦓhancing climate change adaptation, calling for deeper regional cooperation to safeguard ecosystems and promote sustai𝓰nable development.
Speaking at the 28th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF 28) recently held in Luang Prabang, Lao Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Kikeo Singnavong stressed that forests play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, disaster risk reduction, and ensuring sustainable growth for all countries in the region. He urged joint actions to protect forest ecosystems and maximise their contributions to national and regional goals.
As ASEAN Chair in 2024, Laos identified forestry cooperation linked to climate change adaptation as a priority. Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director-General of the Department of Forestry and Head of the Lao ASOF delegation, said the country will promote forest landscape restoration, expand participation in carbon markets, strengthen community-based forest management, combat cross-border forest crime, and boost incomes from sustainable products such as bamboo, medicinal plants, and other forest-based goods.
The ASOF, held annually, reviews and sets the direction for forestry cooperation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
ASOF 28 brought together delegates from ASEAN member states, representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat, and international development partners, making preparations for the 46th Meeting of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF 46).
ASOF 28 adopted several key documents, including the Forestry Law Enforcement Handbook, a Nature-based Solutions Toolkit for forestry, and the Sustainable Ecosystem Management Action Plan. Delegates also called for closer collaboration with international organisations such as the Asian Forest Cooperation Organisation (AFoCO), the UN-REDD+ Programme under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the European Forest Institute to mobilise expertise and financial resources.
Dr. Somvang reiterated Laos’s commitment to the ASEAN forestry agenda, affirming that the country is ready to work closely with member states and development partners to protect forests, build a more sustainable future, and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Malaysia will host the 29th ASOF Meeting in 2026./.
Regional solidarity and cooperation are the key factor for the effective implementation of wildlife protection regulations. Only through sustainable cooperation, innovative approaches, and collective action can biodiversity be safeguarded for the present and future generations, an Vietnamese official has said.
Laos is home to over 500 fish species, which play a vital role in maintaining the country's ecological balance and represent an important part of its natural heritage. Each year, nationwide activities are held to raise public awareness, especially among young people, about the importance of conserving aquatic life and protecting ecosystems.
The import restriction will remain in effect until further notice, depending on developments in disease prevention and control efforts in affected countries, according to the Philippine Department of Agriculture.
Addressing the event, Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Bebeb A.K.N. Djundjunan, who is now holding the ACAT rotating chairmanship, highlighted ASEAN’s message on a more united, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable association. He reviewed key achievements of the group, such as community building and expanded cooperation with global partners.
The Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) has become a key mechanism in narrowing development gaps among member states, helping the CLMV fully implement the joint commitments and comprehensively participate in the bloc’s integration and community building processes.
Four other major Thai destinations - Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai - also ranked among the region’s top cities for repeat visits, reflecting Thailand’s diversity and enduring appeal for travellers of all types.
In its Pre-Budget Statement 2026, the ministry stated that growth will be anchored by resilient domestic demand, particularly through private investment, stable employment, and income-enhancing measures such as targeted cash transfers and wage increases.
Singapore is at risk of chikungunya transmission as the number of reported cases this year has more than doubled compared to last year, the country’s Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) has reported.
On August 11, major RoK outlets, including Yonhap News Agency, KBS, The Korea Herald, and The Korea Times, provided prominent coverage of the talks held the same day between General Secretary Lam and President Lee Jae Myung, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy, security, technology, and culture.
The Singaporean government needs to enable people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and enhance their competitive advantage. It “will walk this journey” with Singaporeans as it has done for the past six decades, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm both ASEAN member states' and partners’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and narrowing development gaps.
Thailand emits roughly 350 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with the energy and industrial sectors accounting for more than 75% of this amount. Though this volume represents just 1% of global emissions, the Thai Government is eager to achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption, by 2050.
The Malaysian government is undertaking a structured assessment to examine the role of nuclear power as a potential option for clean, stable, and competitive electricity within Malaysia’s future energy mix.
It aims to identify and honour digital technology initiatives, products, and solutions with practical applications; promote creativity in technology development; anticipate trends and development potential in digital technology; and recognise the role of digital technology in economic growth and enhancing quality of life for citizens in ASEAN countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
