Thailand, as a member of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), will host an ASEM High-Level Meeting on Marine Sustainability during 7 – 8 March 2019 at Centara Grand at Central World Bangkok. H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, will preside over the opening ceremony of the Meeting.

 

The Meeting aims to provide a platform for participants from Asia, Europe, international organisations, and other relevant agencies to exchange knowledge and best practices on the promotion of marine sustainability with a view to contributing to the attainment of Goal 14 (Life below water) of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The Meeting is also held in accordance with the pledge delivered by H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand, during the 12th ASEM Summit in 18 – 19 October 2018 in Brussels, Belgium.

 

The Meeting on 7 March 2019 will include keynote remarks by high-level representatives from ASEM members and the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) on commitment to promoting marine sustainability. There will also be panel discussions on various related topics such as (1) Asia – Europe Paths for Achieving Marine Sustainability: Resources Efficiency and Technology Towards Circular Economy and SMART Ocean; (2) Enhancing Cooperation for a Sustainable and Responsible Blue Economy; and, (3) Waste Management and Pollution-free Ocean: Practical Solutions. The panellists are experts from the public and private sectors from Asia and Europe, as well as international organisations, academia and NGOs. The meeting is expected to attract approximately 120 participants.

 

In addition, Thailand will organise a site visit for participants of the Meeting to visit the Klong Khong Mangrove Forest Conservation Centre in Samut Songkhram Province on 8 March 2019. This trip will provide an opportunity for ASEM members to learn and exchange best practices of Thailand’s community-based mangrove conservation methods and promotion of the Blue Economy model, emphasizing the sustainable and balanced use of marine and coastal resources.

 

Previously, Thailand hosted the ASEM Symposium on Inter-Regional Partnership for Sustainable Development on 25 – 26 May 2017 and the ASEM Meeting on Sustainable Marine Environment: Marine Debris on 3 August 2018. This Meeting is a demonstration of Thailand’s continuing commitment to promoting marine sustainability, which is a priority in the agenda of ASEM as well as complementing the role of Thailand as ASEAN Chair this year in advancing partnership for sustainability in all dimensions.