ASEAN Pioneers Sustainable Consumption and Production at SCP Policy Conference

Malaysia is poised to take a leading role in advancing sustainable development in the ASEAN region, spearheading the establishment of the ASEAN Green Public Procurement Academy. This initiative was announced during the “Conference on ASEAN SCP Policies and Practices” held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, marking 12 years of fruitful cooperation between Southeast Asia and Germany in promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP).

The two-day conference, which drew over 200 policymakers, industry leaders, and experts from the Asia-Pacific region, was held in conjunction with the 17th Asia-Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP). Co-organized by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and APRSCP, the event was chaired by ASEAN and Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV). The conference is expected to play a key role in aligning ASEAN’s sustainability efforts with global practices.

Malaysia Takes the Sustainability Helm as ASEAN Leader

As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN presidency in 2025, the nation is positioning itself as a central player in the region’s green transition. The establishment of the ASEAN Green Public Procurement Academy is intended to serve as a knowledge hub, where member states can share best practices, develop capacity-building initiatives, and align sustainable procurement strategies. This development underscores Malaysia’s proactive approach in driving a shift towards green policies that will support long-term sustainability goals across the region.

In his speech, Y.A.B. Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, the Menteri Besar of Selangor, expressed pride in Selangor’s sustainability achievements, such as the MyRelamp initiative, which replaces outdated streetlights with energy-efficient LEDs. He noted, “The integration of green procurement into our public policies not only reduces environmental impact but also creates economic opportunities for local businesses and communities.” He added that Petaling Jaya was among the first cities to pilot the Green Public Procurement Integration Monitoring and Evaluation System, setting an example for other municipalities.

The conference placed a strong emphasis on tackling emissions-intensive sectors such as construction and energy consumption. With buildings contributing approximately 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and cooling systems accounting for nearly 30% of the region’s emissions, the discussions highlighted the urgent need for policies that address these critical areas. The sessions featured in-depth dialogue on reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials like cement and steel, advancing sustainable cooling technologies, and implementing eco-friendly building designs.

Harmonizing green public procurement standards across ASEAN member states emerged as a priority, with the goal of creating a cohesive framework that supports sustainability targets, particularly in sectors with high environmental impacts. The ASEAN SCP Framework provides guidelines for member states to promote green markets, enforce eco-labelling, and establish standards that align with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

The push for sustainable consumption and production represents a transformative path for ASEAN’s economy, with significant opportunities for SMEs. By integrating SCP principles into business models, companies can create new market opportunities, reduce costs through resource efficiency, and contribute to a circular economy. The conference’s focus on empowering SMEs highlighted the role of local businesses in scaling up green technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring that the benefits of sustainable development are widely distributed across the region.

Malaysia’s MyHijau Mark was showcased during the conference as an example of a successful eco-labeling initiative that encourages voluntary standards for certifying environmentally friendly products. The program has played a vital role in boosting the green economy by enabling consumers to make informed choices and driving demand for sustainable products.

Strengthening ASEAN’s Position as a Global Sustainability Leader

The conference aimed to deliver actionable recommendations to accelerate the implementation of SCP policies across ASEAN and strengthen regional cooperation. By integrating green public procurement into national policies and building the necessary infrastructure, ASEAN can position itself as a global leader in sustainability efforts. The anticipated establishment of the ASEAN Green Public Procurement Academy is seen as a pivotal step in this direction, providing training, policy development support, and capacity-building resources to member countries.

The discussions underscored the importance of fostering a regional identity around sustainability, where collaborative efforts and shared experiences contribute to a resilient and environmentally conscious ASEAN community. Malaysia’s leadership in this regard will not only influence regional practices but could also set benchmarks for sustainable procurement and consumption globally.

The conference is co-chaired by the ASEAN Secretariat and Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV). His Excellency Dr. Peter Blomeyer, the German Ambassador to Malaysia, delivered a welcome address highlighting Germany’s ongoing commitment to supporting ASEAN’s sustainability initiatives. Keynote speeches were also given by Dr. Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel and former EU Environment Minister, and Pak Ary Sudijanto, SCP focal person for the ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN).

Throughout the event, participants engaged in 12 parallel sessions over two days, covering a wide range of topics from SCP policies to eco-labeling and sustainable lifestyles. The final day will conclude with a ceremonial closing of GIZ’s ongoing project and the handover of final deliverables, marking the end of a significant chapter in German-ASEAN collaboration while laying the groundwork for future partnerships.

Looking ahead, the conference’s outcomes will shape future ASEAN strategies on SCP, with Malaysia leading the way in setting regional priorities. As the host nation, Malaysia’s proactive initiatives are seen as a blueprint for other member states to follow. By investing in green public procurement and promoting sustainable consumption patterns, the region is taking decisive steps toward a sustainable future.

The ASEAN Green Public Procurement Academy is expected to become a driving force for sustainability education and policy development, equipping ASEAN member states with the tools needed to implement effective green procurement practices. As the academy takes shape, it will play a crucial role in fostering a culture of sustainability that resonates throughout the Asia-Pacific and beyond.