Indonesia urges stronger Asia-Pacific climate action at UNESCAP

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia called for concerted action on climate change at the 9th Session of the Committee on Environment and Development of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono led the Indonesian delegation at the forum in Bangkok, Thailand, advocating a unified regional agenda to address the impacts of climate change while supporting sustainable development.

“Environmental protection and economic development must go hand in hand. Only through stronger regional collaboration can we develop a more resilient and sustainable Asia-Pacific region,” he said as quoted in a statement here on Saturday.

Diaz used the multilateral session to highlight Indonesia’s ongoing measures aimed at creating a balance between environment protection with economic gains, pointing to sweeping mangrove and peatland restoration efforts and initiatives intended to promote the circular economy and the blue economy.

The deputy minister also shared insights on national efforts to promote a responsible water resource management and to help communities strengthen their resilience to climate change. He joined representatives from 52 UNESCAP member states at the forum, including ministers and deputy ministers from Bangladesh, Fiji, Maldives, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Japan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan.

The Indonesian delegation participated in discussions on a range of issues, including air quality, sustainable water management, and policies integrating environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Furthermore, officials at the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry attended an side event titled “Accelerating Integrated Climate Action in Asia and the Pacific: Regional Cooperation for Blue Carbon Finance.” Indonesia used the event to elaborate on its efforts to develop blue carbon financing as a mechanism to support climate action through the protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems.

The UNESCAP session concluded with the adoption of two key 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 in Asia and the Pacific.

Related news: Indonesia's investment climate resilient despite global risks: BKPM

Related news: Indonesia spends Rp73.5 trillion annually on climate action: Official

Related news: Indonesia's mangroves gain global spotlight for climate role

Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: M Razi Rahman

Copyright © ANTARA 2026