The ASEAN region is experiencing ongoing environmental and social challenges related to unsustainable production and consumption patterns, including depletion of natural resources, transboundary pollution (water, air, plastics and other wastes), social inequality, and heightened climate risks. In conjunction, ASEAN has become the fastest growing region in terms of resource consumption, in particular raw materials such as minerals, ores, biomass and fuels. To accelerate the transition to a circular economy, the ASEAN Secretariat developed and adopted the Framework for Circular Economy for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2021. However, translating policy intent into effective policy measures and implementation remains challenging and some countries are more advanced than others.
This project is part of the Green Team Europe Initiative (TEI) to promote a transition to a coherent regional circular, climate-neutral, and resource-efficient economy for ASEAN Member States by contributing to increased advocacy, policy support, knowledge development and sharing, and awareness raising, including on plastic and waste value chains, waste management, and waste prevention. SEI will lead Pillar 1 – Regional Policy Dialogue and Knowledge Sharing on Circular Economy which will support policymakers and their institutions in developing, enhancing and implementing circular economy plans and policies that align with both the ASEAN Circular Economy Framework and international good practice.
Output 1 focuses on direct engagement at the regional level. It focuses on strengthened ambition on CE within AMS, unified regional understanding of CE policy goals by ASEAN Member State officials, and increasing their motivation to incorporate the ASEAN CE Framework into each AMS’ policy and institutions.
Enhancing sectoral policy alignment by identifying gaps and opportunities to advance the circular economy in key economic sectors through bilateral engagement, knowledge sharing, and capacity building
Output 3 will focus on enhancing strategic engagement and collaboration among ASEAN, its entities, AMS, and relevant regional stakeholders to accelerate the adoption and implementation of the ASEAN Circular Economy (CE) Framework. This includes improving synergies, coordination, and the availability and use of relevant CE policy knowledge to support decision-making and drive effective policy implementation across the region.
This project is funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and is being implemented by SEI Asia Centre.
Perspective / In ASEAN, empowering youth to foster a circular mindset is critical for a sustainable future.
Journal article / This article utilizes an urban metabolism approach and behavioral analysis to explore linkages between various actors and processes in Bangkok’s waste system.
Journal article / This paper aims to understand how waste pickers in Bangkok currently operate as key actors in the recycling economy.
