6-8 February 2018
MICC 2 Myanmar International Convention Center 2, Nay Pyi Taw
WITH
COORDINATION AND SUPPORT BY THE FOLLOWING UNION MINISTRIES , RUPBLIC OF THE UNION OF
MYANMAR
Foreign Affairs; Natural Resources & Environmental Conservation; Home Affairs; Information; Religious Affairs & Culture; Agriculture, Livestock & Irrigation; Transport & Communication; Electricity and Energy; Labor, Immigration & Population; Industry; Commerce; Education; Health & Sports; Planning and Finance; Construction; Social Welfare, Relief & Resettlement; Hotels & Tourism; International Cooperation.
and GEGG (not for profit) Association.
SUPPORT BY
British Embassy Yangon; Asian Development Bank; United Nations Development Programme ;
UN Environment; World Wildlife Fund, GEGG (not for profit) Association Members & Associates
THE STRUCTURE
The AIGE Inception and Implementation meeting was attended by over 450 participants and addressed four cross cutting thematic areas advocating the imperative need for integrated, holistic, innovative and transformative policies, strategies and practices to support a green. Clean and sustainable ASEAN
The Inaugural Keynote Address by H.E U Myint Swe, Vice President, is in Annex 1; the Message by H.E Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in Annex 2 , delivered by H.E U Ohn Win Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Republic of the Union of Myanmar; the Final Programme and the presentations, are uploaded in the
website < www.geggmyanmar.org >
Erik Solheim, UN Environment Executive Director and UN Under Secretary General , gave the Special Address
There were four consecutive thematic Sessions :
SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSIONS
Session 1 Eminent Persons Roundtable Dialogue : ASEAN Challenges and Opportunities for Green Economy Green Growth
Prof.Yongyuth Yuthavong, “Green Economy: the Future of ASEAN”
prof. Datuk Dr. Raduan Che Rose “Malaysia Towards a Green Econom
Session 2 Improving Green and Blue Sustainability and Productivity
Rapporteur Martin Cosier, UNDP
Session Notes
Key points and common messages from the Session
Detailed notes from presenters
Huub Buise – Chair
Doley Tshering: using integrated approaches; example of two approaches from UNDP Biodiversity Programme
Hanna Helsingen
Professor Michael Jeger: Greening Horticulture
Prof. Khin Thida Myint and Dr Saw Hto Lwe Htoo: Towards Green Horticulture in Myanmar
Dr. Grant Connette: Mapping land use in Myanmar and effects on terrestrial biodiversity
Dr. Lam Hung Son: MRC contibution
Session 3 Transition towards Low-carbon, Renewable and Clean Energy
K.S Venkatagari
1. Focus on Greening of Industry, Building sector and Agriculture. These three areas cover majority of the environment impact of the region and are worthy of pursuing.
2. Two pronged approach – immediate – Implementation of existing best practices of the ASEAN region and Long-term – Focus on Innovation and Green Entrepreneurship.
3. Facilitate a green network in the ASEAN region
4.Develop role models – industry, building etc
5. Facilitate green financing for ASEAN region
6. Develop green metrics and monitor (GHG footprint, carbon intensity etc)
7. AIGE headquarter to be a model green building
Professor Devinder Mahajan ´ Waste Resource Potential for Monetization
Key take-home points
Engr. Col. Thoung Win ( Retd. )
(1) AIGE Establishment in Myanmar is great opportunity for Myanmar and ASEAN’s strategic Choice.
(2) It can be a practical and life size laboratory for the Formulation, Implementation, Testing and PDCA Circle of GEGG principles.
(3) Almost all of the GEGG activities can be put into practice and they shall become success stories or show case Business Models.
(4) Almost all Renewable and New Energy and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Technologies can be applied and utilized and Investments and collaboration with International organization and companies can be commercially implemented.
(5) The “Late Comer’s Advantage” of Myanmar is true and it can be proved in putting GEGG principles into work. Myanmar can leapfrog for example using Electric Vehicles and electricity for Road Transportation (Cars, Trucks Trains and locomotives) by making the electricity generation sufficient using the different potential resources of Energy in Myanmar. (Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass, Gas, (Natural and Bio)).
(6) ASEAN vision 2020 – 6 Areas of cooperation, except coal and clean coal Technology, other 5 areas are directly under the scope of GEGG and AIGE. These are very broad, diversified, opportunistic and challenging Regional Business Cooperation.
(7) Efficient Resource Management and Mobilization including Human Capital Resource Mobilization can be a Fore Front Activity of AIGE, GEGG and relevant Ministries of The Government of the Union of Myanmar.
Sudhir Sharma, “Enabling ASEAN Transition to Low Carbon Development”
Key to Science based policy making
UN Cooperating with AIGE in supporting ASEAN Low Carbon Transition
Session 4 Protecting and improving Environmental Health,
Key Summaries.
The Key messages from Chulabhorn Research Institute, Dr. Jutamaad are as follows
Protecting and improving environmental health through research and capacity building
1. For countries to effectively cope with environmental health problems, qualified and trained personnel in environmental health and toxicology is crucial and in need.
2. Identifying environmental risk factors and impacts of exposure through research in environmental health toxicology and epidemiology, then initiate preventive measures for the control and reduction of exposure and hence these risks through regulation, information dissemination, education and training of personnel at various level
3. Much research is needed to gain better understanding the health risks and impacts of exposure to chemicals and infectious agents. To define the inter linkages, such that the policy decision and interventions can be taken to control and ultimately reduce the global burden of disease attributed to them, thereby improving the quality of life for all.
4. Human health is an integrated part of everyone’s standard of living. Affecting human health affects the present and future workforce which will in turn, affect sustainable development.
The Key messages from WHO Country Office for Myanmar, Dr. Badri are as follows
1. AIGE in coordination with WHO and other stakeholders should develop the matrix or the country activity mapping exercise for what has happen in line with the SDGs (targets vs achievements). This would enable Environment and Health stakeholders to support country to achieve the SDGs.
2. Minimum set of indicators should be selected out of many that are listed for each SDGs to track the progress in this areas.
3. “No one should be left behind” as this is clear that SDGs are achieved with inter-sectoral (multi-sectoral) collaboration and AIGE can play an advocacy role.
The Key messages from UN Environment Mr. Masato Motoki are as follows
1. The priority areas to be identified by ASEAN Institute for Green Economy in consultation with member states. The consultation process will review options for strengthening the enabling regulatory and policy environment. Asia Pacific Regional Forum on Health and Environment and its Thematic Working Groups can be an opportunity to find the way to work together with AIGE, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Health.
2. In order to provide ASEAN decision makers, practitioners and young professionals from government and business with a practical introduction to the green economy concept such as circular economy, it is proposed that the ASEAN Institute for Green Economy and the UN Environment develop an interactive Green Economy programme for ASEAN countries.
3. Promoting policy interventions, investments, study to fill missing the data on the environment and health impacts and institutional capacity-building for sound management of chemicals and waste throughout their life-cycle are strongly encouraged.
4. Encouraging sustainable growth and improving the standard of life by promoting sustainable consumption and urban infrastructure design that enables green living/ lifecycle are high priorities. Also, strengthening efforts in the areas of education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information and cooperation on linkages between health and environment through public health campaigns would be necessary.
The Key messages from Global Health Asia, Dr. Nicole De Paula are as follows
1.The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, featuring 17 SDGs, will only be effectively implemented if a holistic vision of development is practiced.
2.We are allowing the natural world to disappear without fully understanding what will be lost and how we are being affected. We are not doing a good job informing people in a way that they feel empowered to act. Certainly, not at the pace needed! Be a knowledge broker!
3.Damaging the planet damages human health—food security, infectious diseases, poverty trap-stress, AMR, occupational hazards are relevant examples.
4. To address problems at the interface of health and the environment, we must overcome the fragmentation within disciplines and be inclusive. Planetary health provides a vision to accomplish this endeavor.
5. Improvement in health requires a secure foundation in multiple fronts, as indicated by the SDGs—We need to foster transdisciplinarity and further integrate social scientists when designing health public policies that affect the environment.
The Key messages from National Poison Control Centre, Department of Medical Research, Dr. Khin Phyu Phyu are as follows
Session 5 Capacity Building, Training, Education, Research for Green Economy and Disaster Risks Reduction and Recovery
Rapporteur: Shawn Kelly, AIT
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Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, President, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand
Highlights
Question: How can we best educate our students in the 21st Century age of Exponential Disruption?
Ambassador (Retd.) Ms. Kang Siew Kheng, Senior Fellow, RSIS Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Highlights
Dr. Ko Ko Naing, Director General, Disaster Management Department (Former Relief and Resettlement Department) Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Myanmar
Highlights
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Prof. Chao Zhang, Sustainability Science and Public Policy, School of Economics and Management, Sustainable Development & New Type Urbanization Think Tank, Tongji University, China
Title of Presentation was: “Governing the food-energy-water nexus to achieve SDGs”
Ms. Karun Singh, regional Director, Earth Day Network South Asia and Country Director, India
Highlights
Action / Recommendation:
Recommended that AIGE add — (2018) End Plastic Pollution, in cooperation with Blue Economy and (2019) Endangered Species (Protecting species from Extinction) – into the Work Plan.
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Discussions
CHAIR – H.E. Ambassador Dr. Luan Thuy Duong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the republic of the Union of Myanmar
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Luan Thuy Duong opened the Discussion by making the point that Education and Capacity Building Awareness are central to the success the initiative. She concluded by saying that the session was a wonderful discussion and that the outcomes could be submitted to ASEAN governments.
The ambassador made some global comments in her concluding / synthesis remarks:
(1) Discussions so far have focused on ‘Macro-terms’, but more discussion is needed on ‘Micro-terms’, like: Green Food, Green Water, and others.
(2) ASEAN already has an existing framework on sustainable development. Networks of think tanks and scholars within the region are creating linkages for cooperation. However, there needs to be reflection on how national development strategies of particular countries impact the region, at large. She cited the example of hydropower development in China on the Mekong River, which runs its course through five ASEAN countries. While cooperation within the region necessary, she said cooperation from partners of ASEAN is also important.
(3) Technology discussions for Green Economy are indeed necessary. What is still missing is discussion on: Management Practice and Policy Cooperation.
(4) Suggested to link all suggestions arising from the session to the already existing Three (3) Pillars of ASEAN.
(5) Promote Green Growth technology through AIGE and existing frameworks. Avoid duplication.
(6) Create a common data platform that can aggregate cross-sectoral best practices
(7) Green Growth awareness raising is cost-effective way to achieve success. Aim to introduce curriculum in schools, develop education tools and improve literacy.
(7) Focus on communication at ASEAN level to incorporate Green Economy into the regional economy.
Comments and Suggestions from Participants
Invasive Species in Lakes
In reply to the presentation by Ms. Karun Singh, Regional Director, Earth Day Network South Asia, one participant noted that fresh water invasive species of fish and snail are damaging native fish stocks and spreading diseases in lakes in Myanmar.
Harmonious, Sustainable Development for ASEAN the Next Fifteen Years
∙ Applauding the presentation of Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, President, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand — who emphasized ‘Research for the Sustainable Future of Mankind – one participant recommended adding ‘harmony’ into the framework, recognizing the diversity of existing cultures and religions in ASEAN. He suggested Prof. Worsak’s presentation could be a framework for a green growth in the region that also emphasizes harmony.
Other suggestions / recommendations
SESSION 6. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ON DRAFT AIGE COLLABORATIVE WORK PROGRAMME
Rapporteur: Zaw Naing, Managing Director, Mandalay Technology; Board Member, GEGG
Dr. Nay Htun, Green Economy Green Growth
presented an executive summary of the meeting;
The work plans envisaged
Phase 1: Provisional report of the meeting (the statements, presentations, preliminary collaborative work program framework) will be drafted and disseminated by end of Feb 2018.
Phase 2: Elaborating the Collaborative Work Programme from March 2018 onwards:
He further reiterated the notable remarks, expressions, and ideas from the presentations, key note speeches, round-table discussions and participants’ discussions;
H.E Ambassador Eduardo JR Kapounana, Chair of the Session, made a remark that
Planning is essential. He suggested asking three questions in planning process:
– Where are we now?
– Where are we going?
– How to get there?
Mr. Ky-Anh Nguyen, Director, Sustainable Development Directorate, ASEAN Socio-cultural CommunityDepartment, ASEAN Secretariat recap the important points and key elements of discussions, and added a some suggestions;
Case Studies would be helpful
Mr. Ky-Anh Nguyen mentioned that-
Session 7. The Way Forward
Was Chaired by H.E Dr U Set Aung Deputy Minister for Planning and finance and the Principal Discussant was H.E Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman; Director, Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Former ASEAN Secretary General.
H.E Dr. U Set Aung
There is an imperative need to mainstream green economy concepts, strategies, policies and practices into national development plans. The expanding opportunities for green jobs are evident in an increasing number of countries. Solar and wind renewable energy are some of the fastest growing sectors.
The presentations and discussions during the past two days have underscored the economic, social, health and ecological benefits. Important building blocks and directions have been recommended. These would need to be prioritize, taking into account the prevailing and emerging situations. Business as usual and pollute now and clean up later are not options. Building upon the last two days, he looked forward to sharpen and speed up the Way Forward toward a green clean and sustainable ASEAN
H.E Ambassador Ong Keng Yong remarked
He highlighted two initiatives that are well advanced:
– Implementation of a Dedicated Workshop on Green Fruits , a quick and high impact initiative that would bring economic, social, health and ecological benefits to farmers , as well as to consumers.
– Discussions are underway for the establishment of an Unconventional Resource Facility to support AIGE collaborative programmes and projects
Session 8. Closing
H.E. Dr. Myo Thein Gyi, Union Minister for Education, Myanmar, Closing Session Keynote highlighted and emphasized the critically important role of education, training and research.
He took note of the excellent presentations and recommendations and in particular the Session on Education, Training and Research to support green, clean and sustainable ASEAN
The AIGE, endorsed by ASEAN Heads of State and Government, provides a very good process and platform to foster collaboration among ASEAN Member States and beyond. Global Challenges and Opportunities are more effectively addressed collaborative.
He renewed and extended the full cooperation and support of the Ministry of Education to the AIGE that is located in the premises of the GEGG (no for profit) Center of Excellence, situated in the Ministry of Education Department of Research and Innovation, Yangon.
The proximity, common goals and interest for education, training, research enhance and facilitate cooperation between the Ministry of Education, GEGG and AIGE
ANNEX 1
Inaugural Keynote
H.E U Myint Swe, Vice President,
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Mingalarpar!
Union Ministers Executive Director of United Nations Environment, Mr. Erik Solheim Ambassadors of ASEAN Member States, Ambassadors of Development Partners Countries Representatives from the Committee of Natural Resources and Environment of Pyi Thu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw Representatives from UN Agencies Delegates from ASEAN Member States Representatives from Green Economy Green Growth (GEGG) Association Myanmar Excellences’, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning,
1. At the very outset, it is my great pleasure and honor to deliver an opening speech at this inception and implementation on meeting on ASEAN Institute of Green Economy. Taking this privilege, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and on my own behalf, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you and my gratitude for your significant presence here which reflects your deep appreciation on our regional cooperation and pride to host this significant event.
2. ASEAN with a population of over 630 million is one of the world’s largest economies and of the most dynamic and fastest growing region. Interregional trade is expected to increase significantly and ASEAN is well situated and poised to be a major hub for global trade. Consequently, demand for natural resources will increase in tandem.
3. The majority of ASEAN population still depends on the natural resources for their livelihood. It is, therefore, vitally important that these resources are managed and used in a sustainable manner. However, the region has experienced severe environmental challenges including droughts, natural disasters, loss of biodiversity and depletion of natural resources and climate change as well as the devastation of historical and cultural resources due to increase of population, poverty and climate change impacts among our ASEAN countries.
4. Realizing that economic development cannot be sustained without protecting the environment, ASEAN countries have committed themselves to protect and promote the environment. With this concept in mind, “A clean and green ASEAN with fully established mechanism for sustainable development by 2020” is set as our common goal.
5. With inspired spirit to overcome regional and global environmental problems, collaborative efforts are also crucial at the regional and national level in order to realize the goal of achieving green and clean environment in the entire region. It is our conviction that environmental issues are best tackled collectively, in cooperation with our AMS countries and international organizations.
6. In this regards, AIGE is an innovative foundation to share information and experiences, ways and means and promote dialogue among member countries and Development Partners towards the vision of clean and green environment of our ASEAN region.
Excellences’, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
7. It is my honor to be here today to see the launching of this event at such an important time of Myanmar’s development as well as our entire ASEAN community. More than ever do we need research, knowledge sharing and collaboration to support new policy solutions and ideas that can drive a green economy in ASEAN countries.
8. As of the Terms of Reference of the AIGE which was approved in September 2017, I do believe that the institute will work to “enhance awareness of programs on green technologies and management practices and assist ASEAN Member States through joint research, education and training.”
9. While ASEAN continues to promote the sustainable economic growth agenda, I believe AIGE can support ASEAN countries in identifying opportunities and solutions that can help us address environmental, climate and economic issues to ensure that our
natural wealth is protected and that current as well as future generations can continue to enjoy the many opportunities that ASEAN countries provide.
Excellences’, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
10. Myanmar’s people and economy depend on healthy and functioning ecosystems to provide enough food, clean water, protection against natural disasters, and energy – essential for the survival, wellbeing and socio-economic development of our societies. Therefore, it is critical that we all properly value nature and the essential benefits it provides.
11. We are building an economy that creates jobs, improves human wellbeing and conserves Myanmar’s natural wealth. While our country has suffered from the impact of climate change and environmental degradation, we are laying down new policies and strategies that will change our pathway towards a more sustainable future.
12. In this regard, the development of National Environmental Policy, Strategy and Master Plan, National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan, National Waste Management Strategy and Green Economy Policy Framework have been completed in Myanmar. The Green Economy Policy Framework identifies and implements priority areas to be promoted for sustainable and green investments. We need investments that can support our economic development, while improving the wellbeing of our people and protecting our natural wealth.
13. With the aim of environmental mainstreaming in Myanmar, we are incorporating green development and climate change considerations into national, sectoral and local development plans. Moreover, Myanmar is committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement.
Excellences’, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
14. I do believe that this three-day Meeting will be a platform and great opportunity to discuss among experts and delegates for building an economy by investments that are low-carbon and based on green technologies in our ASEAN region.
15. In conclusion, I would like to urge all of the participants here today to contribute and collaborate for the establishment of a strong, innovative and forward-thinking AIGE. In doing so, I do expect that AIGE can become the center for shaping a green and sustainable ASEAN community.
16. Thank you for your participation and contribution. I wish this important event great success!
ANNEX 2
Message
H.E Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
State Counsellor and Foreign Minister
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
I am delighted to welcome all of you to the Inception and Implementation Meeting on the ASEAN Institute for Green Economy (AIGE). It is a great honor for Myanmar to host the AIGE and this auspicious meeting with the cooperation of the non-profit Green Economy Green Growth (GEGG) Association.
ASEAN countries have an opportunity to pursue a green economy that supports the well-being of our people and protects ASEAN’s unique natural wealth, home to some of the most biologically diverse areas on this planet– the basis of our long-term survival and prosperity.
Our countries are vulnerable to climate change and we have suffered from many environmental issues brought about due to highly depending on natural resources. Many of our cities and economic activities are concentrated along coastlines, making them vulnerable to natural disasters.
It is clear that we must pursue a different path moving forward. This will enhance our resilience to climate change, resolve environmental challenges, while creating new economic opportunities and jobs. The only way to resolve the challenges happening over the world is through global cooperation.
The commitment to sustainable development and combatting climate change is clear through ASEAN countries’ commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.
This is in accordance with the outcomes of the historical conference Rio+20 and the document “The Future We Want”, which emphasized that a green economy should contribute to eradicating poverty as well as sustained economic growth, enhancing social inclusion, improving human welfare and creating opportunities for employment and decent work for all, while maintaining the healthy functioning of the Earth’s ecosystems.
By investing in research, new technologies and support development in green economy, ASEAN countries can lead the way in providing opportunities of new jobs for youth and future generations while protecting our natural wealth.
In our ASEAN economic community blueprint 2025, we have laid down a vision of a community that incorporates a sustainable growth agenda that promotes a science-based use of, and support for, green technology and energy.
Our vision is clear, now we must work together to realize a future, where our ASEAN community is strong economically, where people enhance resilience to climate change. Emerging challenges and opportunities require new and innovative institutions, collaborative mechanisms and policy instruments that can support this transformation.
At the 25th ASEAN Summit, held in Naypyidaw, Myanmar in 2014, the ASEAN Institute for Green Economy (AIGE) was endorsed by ASEAN heads of states. This new institute will serve as a center of excellence to promote policies and practices to address green economy and green growth opportunities, with an aim to increase and improve sustainable development, conservation and efficient use of natural resources, and transition to low carbon technologies to address climate change.
During this meeting, participants are encouraged to discuss integrated, holistic, innovative and collaborative policies, strategies and practices, utilizing state of the art technologies and management that could be considered for promoting green economy and green growth. I hope this meeting will provide guidance for the preparation of a robust and forward-looking Platform for a multi-year AIGE Collaborative Work Programme.
I wish this important event great success!
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi