Southeast Asia’s momentum towards a more sustainable future gained a significant boost this September 15, 2025, with the formal launch of the ASEAN-New Zealand Roundtable on the Green Agenda in Bangkok. The event, convened by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored a strategic alliance focused on shared environmental goals and represented a tangible manifestation of the evolving geopolitical landscape surrounding climate action. The Roundtable, attended by over 120 participants from across ASEAN, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste, highlighted both the urgency of addressing global environmental challenges and the potential for collaborative solutions.
The core of the discussion centered on translating existing cooperation between ASEAN and New Zealand into practical outcomes. As Deputy Permanent Secretary Paisan Rupanichkij articulated, the immediate focus was on “translating ASEAN – New Zealand cooperation on the Green Agenda into tangible outcomes,” particularly in sectors vital to regional sustainability: sustainable forest management, development of carbon markets, cooperation in renewable energy and green innovation, and technological exchange. This reflects a broader trend within ASEAN – a move beyond theoretical agreements towards concrete investment and implementation strategies.
New Zealand’s contribution to this initiative is particularly noteworthy. The country has long been recognized as a global leader in renewable energy technologies and carbon market design, factors that are increasingly crucial to the sustainability efforts of nations across Southeast Asia. “The exchange of views and experiences…in sustainable forest management, smart agriculture, carbon market, and renewable energy” exemplified this knowledge transfer, a key component of the partnership’s long-term success. As Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Bolbongse Vangphaen explained, the Roundtable aligns with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the ongoing implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2021-2025, signaling a sustained commitment to shared objectives.
The event’s success was attributed, in part, to the diverse range of expertise brought to the table. New Zealand experts from the Ministry for the Environment, Ministry for Primary Industries, Bioeconomy Science Institute, CarbonClick, Toitū Envirocare, and New Zealand BioForestry, offered insights into innovative approaches. These included detailed case studies on afforestation and nature-based investments through voluntary carbon markets, recognizing the vital role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in driving this agenda. Furthermore, discussions incorporated Thai expertise through participation from the Thailand Environment Institute, Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization, Siam Cement Group, Kasikornbank, and B. Grimm Power Public Co. Ltd. – demonstrating a commitment to adapting international best practices to the specific regional context.
The strategic timing of the Roundtable – coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations between Thailand and New Zealand in 2025 – further amplified its significance. Ambassador Jonathan Dale Kings emphasized this connection, stating that these efforts were “especially significant as ASEAN and New Zealand commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations,” suggesting a strengthening of the partnership to coincide with this historic milestone. This reflects a larger trend of leveraging anniversary celebrations to bolster bilateral relationships and focus on shared strategic priorities.
Looking ahead, the next six months will likely see the operationalization of several key initiatives stemming from the Roundtable. This includes the exploration of pilot projects within the carbon market framework, the development of joint research initiatives focused on renewable energy technologies, and the refinement of sustainable forestry practices. Over the longer term, (5-10 years), the potential impact is considerable. According to a recent report by the International Energy Agency, investments in renewable energy in Southeast Asia are projected to increase by over 30% by 2030, driven in part by collaborations like this one. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding financing and securing long-term policy commitments. “The need for sustained investment and robust policy frameworks will be critical to ensuring the long-term success of this initiative,” commented Dr. Amelia Stone, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Strategic Policy Studies, who observed the Roundtable.
The formal study visits scheduled for September 16th – including visits to EGAT Learning Center, B. Grimm BIP Power 1 & 2, and Bangkadi Industrial Park – represent a crucial step in translating discussions into practical actions. These visits promise to provide valuable insights into Thailand's ongoing efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure while adhering to sustainability principles.
The ASEAN-New Zealand Green Agenda partnership represents a powerful demonstration of multilateral cooperation in a world grappling with unprecedented environmental pressures. The event's success hinges on sustained commitment and effective collaboration, solidifying the region’s role as a global leader in sustainable development. The underlying question remains: can this partnership serve as a model for other nations seeking to address global challenges through strategically designed alliances?