JAKARTA – Around 500 people gathered for a 5km fun walk and run on Sunday (Oct. 27) to mark the start of the EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Week for 2024.
Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN, Sujiro Seam, kicked off the event on Jalan Sudirman, leading a route towards Gelora Bung Karno in South Jakarta.
Officials from ASEAN, the EU, as well as youth and people with special needs participated in the fun walk run, which was titled “EU-ASEAN Green Transition for Sustainable Planet and More Positive Impact”.
“The European Union is committed to supporting our partners in their respective green transitions, including ASEAN member states,” said Ambassador Seam.
“This event shows our commitment to continue working together with ASEAN towards a greener sustainable and inclusive future. It is an opportunity to encourage and motivate individuals, communities and organisations to take stronger actions – to protect, preserve and restore our environment, for now and for future generations.”
The EU Green Diplomacy Week is one of the European Union’s global campaigns to promote cooperation on climate change and inspire meaningful action.
This annual event has evolved into a significant occasion where the EU and its member states host a series of events worldwide, fostering dialogue and collaboration on climate issues. These events serve as a platform to showcase successful sustainability initiatives and motivate further green actions.
“Over the years, ASEAN has demonstrated commitment to addressing climate change, including through multi-sectoral dialogue and relevant activities involving key partners across various sectors”, said Jihan Abdul Rahman, chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Brunei Darussalam to ASEAN. Brunei currently serves as the country coordinator for ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations.
The envoy highlighted the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change — which will be located in Brunei — as an example of regional climate change coordination and cooperation across Southeast Asia.
“By emphasising climate action, such as sustainable transport, eliminating pollution, and ensuring a just transition for all, ASEAN, in collaboration with our valuable partners including the EU, can build a more resilient region better prepared to withstand the impacts of climate change,” she said.
This year, the fun walk and run event in Jakarta marked the start of region-wide activities for the EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Week 2024.
EU Delegations across Southeast Asia are hosting a series of events in ASEAN member states to promote and inspire climate action in the region.
The fun walk and run was followed by an open gathering featuring EU-ASEAN projects, EU member states, and a series of mini talk shows.
The mini talk shows highlighted important topics in ASEAN’s green transition, such as the circular economy, biodiversity, sustainable landscapes, and the impact of climate change on women. These discussions showcased the insights of key ASEAN youth in each of these areas.
Yulia Ratnasari, founder of Karbon Biru, a youth-based initiative for carbon sequestering and protection of coastal society and biodiversity, said: “ASEAN is home to a rich biodiversity and long coastal lines. As youth, it is up to us to ensure our development is inclusive and does not threaten our coastal society and biodiversity.”
Ratnasari is an alumna and awardee of the EU’s flagship programme, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree on Circular Economy and Industrial Ecology, and a finalist of the EU Youth Sustainable Project Competition 2023.