Bangkok Goals on the Bio- Circular-Green Economy
By Lim Tau Wee
The 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation ( APEC ) Summit was held physically in Bangkok from November 18-19 , 2022 for the first time in four years . The Chief Secretary to the Malaysian Government in his capacity as the Special Representative of the Prime Minister led the Malaysian delegation to the APEC Economic Leaders ’ Meeting ( AELM ) due to the General Election 15 . Among the world leaders who attended the APEC Summit were the Prime Ministers and Presidents of Australia , Canada , Japan , China , Korea , Peru , the Philippines , and Singapore , just to name a few .
At the conclusion of the meeting , the leaders made some declarations , among them was the endorsement of the Bangkok Goals on the Bio- Circular-Green ( BCG ) Economy as a comprehensive framework to further APEC ’ s sustainability objectives . They also iterated on the continuation of the implementation of the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 , including the Aotearoa Plan of Action . They agreed to advance the Bangkok Goals ( BCG ) in a bold , responsive , and comprehensive manner , building upon existing commitments and workstreams as well as considering new aspirational ones .
By adopting the Bangkok Goals , APEC moves forward , outlining how to achieve its comprehensive and ambitious sustainability goals and inclusion objectives , while reinforcing and contributing to on-going global actions . APEC explored approaches such as the BCG economy model that integrates three economic approaches , where technology and innovation are used to create value , reduce waste , advance resource efficiency , and promote sustainable business models . It also called for more holistic efforts to achieve balanced , inclusive , and sustainable growth . Such efforts should build on APEC ’ s existing commitments and work streams as well as consider new aspirational commitments to further APEC ’ s sustainability objectives .
KEY POINTS OF THE BANGKOK GOALS ON BCG
a . Supporting global efforts to comprehensively address all environmental challenges , including climate change , extreme weather , and natural disasters , for a sustainable planet , particularly in terms of climate mitigation , adaptation , and resilience by :
1 . Contributing practical , ambitious , and concrete initiatives to transition to a climate-resilient future global economy which aligns with global efforts , such as the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the goals of the Paris Agreement , appreciating and supporting APEC members ’ respective net zero / carbon neutrality commitments , recognising the urgent need to collectively address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the need to provide international support including capacity building , technological and financial support , which are key enablers in this regard .
2 . Enhancing adaptive capacity , strengthening resilience , and reducing vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change and associated risks , including mainstreaming adaptation measures into policies , strategies and planning , as well as disaster and emergency preparedness and management .
3 . Strengthening co-operation to develop and exchange policies and best practices and promote capacity building and awareness-
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