His Majesty Sultan of Brunei Calls for Stronger Regional Action on Climate and Integration at 46th ASEAN Summit
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has called for a more robust and coordinated regional response to natural disasters and the growing impact of climate change, during his address at the Plenary and Retreat Sessions of the 46th ASEAN Summit held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
His Majesty stressed the importance of fully implementing ASEAN SHIELD to enhance coordination across ASEAN’s disaster management mechanisms, and urged member states to ratify the agreement on the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change without delay. This, he noted, would significantly bolster ASEAN’s collective climate resilience and sustainability objectives.
Upon arrival at the summit venue, His Majesty was warmly welcomed by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who chairs ASEAN in 2025. The summit was attended by leaders of all ASEAN member states as well as Timor-Leste.
In his titah (royal speech), His Majesty reflected on ASEAN’s decade-long achievements in community-building, which have advanced regional integration and laid a solid foundation for peace and prosperity. He emphasised the need to sustain this momentum by strengthening the region’s resilience in the face of emerging challenges.
Addressing economic concerns, His Majesty noted that intra-ASEAN trade remains below pre-pandemic levels due to ongoing global uncertainties and disruptions. He welcomed Malaysia’s initiative to prioritise trade revitalisation during its ASEAN Chairmanship and commended the recent conclusion of negotiations under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement.
His Majesty also expressed optimism regarding the early finalisation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, viewing it as a critical step toward unlocking ASEAN’s full market potential and establishing a digitally integrated regional economy.
On the subject of ASEAN unity and expansion, His Majesty reiterated the importance of deepening integration by completing the Southeast Asian family, and described Timor-Leste’s accession as ASEAN’s newest member as a meaningful and unifying development.
Concluding his remarks, His Majesty expressed full support for the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a long-term roadmap that aims to shape ASEAN into a region that is innovative, adaptive, and people-centred over the next two decades.
Following the Plenary Session, His Majesty also participated in the Retreat Session alongside fellow ASEAN leaders and representatives from Timor-Leste, continuing discussions on the region’s collective path forward.
