Jakarta (ANTARA) - European Union Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Sujiro Seam encouraged small, sustainable actions to address climate change while opening Green Diplomacy Week here on Sunday (10/27).

"So, we can run or we can walk to the office instead of driving. When we see a light on, we can turn it off. When we see trash on the floor, we can pick it up. If it's hot, we can dress down instead of turning on the air conditioning. So it's to encourage sustainable behavior," said the ambassador when opening the event here on Sunday (10/27).

The EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Week was marked by the launch of the second edition of the 5KM dynamic walk and run entitled "EU-ASEAN Green Transition for a Sustainable Planet and More Positive Impact.".

Around 500 participants attended the event held along Jalan Sudirman leading to GBK, Senayan, including representatives from ASEAN, the European Union and its member states, young people, and also people with special needs.

Through the event, the European Union is committed to supporting their partners and ASEAN member countries in their green transition efforts, the ambassador said.

"This event demonstrates our commitment to continue our joint work with ASEAN to realize a greener, more sustainable, and inclusive future," he said.

"This is an opportunity to encourage and motivate individuals, communities, and organizations to take stronger action—to protect, preserve, and restore our environment, for now and for future generations," he added.

The European Union Green Diplomacy Week is one of the European Union's global campaigns to promote cooperation to tackle climate change.

"Over the years, ASEAN has demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate change, including through multi-sectoral dialogues and relevant activities involving key partners across sectors," said Jihan Abdul Rahman, Chargé d'Affaires of Permanent Mission of Brunei Darussalam to ASEAN, as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations.

She highlighted the establishment of the ASEAN Climate Change Centre, aimed at facilitating regional climate change coordination and cooperation across Southeast Asia.

She added that by emphasizing climate action, such as sustainable transport, eliminating pollution, and ensuring a just transition for all, ASEAN, together with its partners, can build a more resilient region better prepared to withstand the impacts of climate change.

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Reporter: Katriana
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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