Message from Chairman of the NCEA and Minister of Foreign Affairs – Myanmar

 On behalf of the Government and the people of the Union of Myanmar, I wish to express our deep appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN member countries, especially the Royal Government of Cambodia – the host country for ASEAN Environment Year 2003 – for the launching of AEY 2003. Like the two previous occasions in 1995 and 2000, AEY 2003 would provide yet another opportunity for ASEAN member countries to further accelerate their ongoing environmental awareness activities and programmes. The theme selected for AEY 2003 “Together Towards Sustainable Development” underscores ASEAN’s solidarity, commitment and collaboration to achieve sustainable development in the region.

 Myanmar has planned special programmes for AEY 2003 with the aim to involve more of our people in the caring for the environment. Myanmar strongly believes that environmental education is essential for improving and promoting the capacity of people to address environment issues and achieve sustainable development objectives. Therefore, Myanmar is committed to actively take part in the implementation of ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (AEEAP). I have no doubt that if all of us join hands and act in unison, our vision of a more prosperous, cleaner and greener ASEAN in year 2020 can be realized.

 I wish the ASEAN Environment Year 2003 every success.

U Win Aung
Chairman of the National Commission
For Environmental Affairs and
Minister for Foreign Affairs