Promoting SCP in the ASEAN Region
12th ASEAN+3 Leadership Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production

Group photo at the 12th ASEAN+3 Leadership Programme

HSF

The ASEAN-Plus-Three (ASEAN+3) Leadership Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) was launched in 2008 within the framework of the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (AEEAP) (2008-2014) which was endorsed by the Governments of ASEAN Member States. The ASEAN+3 Leadership Programme aims to support capacity building for policy makers focusing on policy development and implementation, and upscaling and mainstreaming of SCP practices. The 12th ASEAN+3 Leadership Programme on SCP was held from 4-6 November 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) of Lao PDR, with support from the EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component (PSC), the Delegation of European Union in Lao PDR through the Lao PDR-EU Cooperation Facility, the EU Delegation to ASEAN through the EU-ASEAN-Technical Assistance Facility to the Green Team Europe Initiative (TAF-GTEI), and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) Vietnam.

Discussion session in the event

HSF

Under the theme “Circular Economy Transition as a Pathway Towards Accelerating Climate and SCP Policy and Practice,” the event brought together policymakers, experts, and representatives from ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners (China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea). The participants discussed how circular economy could boost resource efficiency and reduce material use. Participants shared insights into utilising SDG 12 reporting as a tool for assessing and advancing SCP and circular economy goals, with actionable strategies tailored to regional needs. The discussions also highlighted the role of green public procurement in achieving climate targets and sustainable resource use, encouraging ASEAN Member States to incorporate eco-labelling and low-carbon practices into public procurement policies. Furthermore, the programme empowered participants with case-based learning and cross-ministerial dialogues to strengthen their capabilities in designing and implementing SCP policies.

HSF Vietnam supported this significant initiative and enabled representatives from the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, and the Institute of Strategy, Policy on Natural Resources and Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to attend the Programme to learn while also sharing their own experiences.