Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
12 November 2014

On the first day of the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, President Benigno S. Aquino III joined his fellow leaders in the launching of the ASEAN Institute of Green Growth Economy held at the Myanmar International Convention Center (MICC).

The institute aims to facilitate the joint efforts of ASEAN members in studying and using green technology thru the promotion of a cooperation mechanism regarding the use and protection of the region’s natural resources such as land, water, mines, forests and energy.

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), green growth means “promoting economic growth while reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, minimising waste and inefficient use of natural resources, and maintaining biodiversity. Green growth means improving health prospects for populations and strengthening energy security through less dependence on imported fossil fuels. It also means making investment in the environment a driver for economic growth. Green growth will require a shift in both public and private investments, with the limited public funds available carefully targeted and accompanied by the right policy frameworks to help leverage private financing.”

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