MESSAGE MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

The Johannesburg Summit concluded that the actions and objectives set in Agenda 21 remains relevant but its implementation remains a job incomplete. Despite many efforts and progress being made on putting the principles of sustainable development into action, many fundamental challenges remain unresolved.

At the ASEAN level, the principle of sustainable development as a shared commitment of ASEAN is clearly embodied in ASEAN Vision 2020, and the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA). It is very important for us to translate those environmental strategies of the HPA into specific time bound meaningful programs and activities, particularly in the area of trans-boundary haze pollution, nature conservation and biodiversity, multilateral environment agreements, and the coastal and marine environment.

The theme of ASEAN Environment Year 2003: “Together Towards Sustainable Development” is indeed timely and significant as it focuses on our regional efforts and destiny in achieving sustainable development. The implementation of sustainable development will succeed only with the participation and support of our people, our societies and our government. Therefore we need to work together in good faith and in the spirit of ASEAN cooperation and solidarity to establish a supportive regional climate that would allow us to meet our sustainable development goals.

Brunei Darussalam remains committed to the causes of sustainable development. For this reason we look forward to working hand in hand with our ASEAN colleagues for the mutual benefits of the ASEAN community.

We wish everyone the best of success in their ASEAN Environment Year 2003 activities.

H.E MR. DATO SERI SETIA DR. AWANG HAJI AHMAD BIN HAJI JUMAT
Minister of Development
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM