The Prime Minister’s Office, through the Brunei Climate Change Office (BCCO), announced that Brunei Darussalam has signed the Instrument of Ratification to ratify the Agreement to Establish the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC).
With the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the instrument was signed by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Minister of Development, as Brunei Darussalam’s representative to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME).
The ACCC is a regional ASEAN initiative that will be hosted in Brunei Darussalam and aims to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN member states and international organisations in addressing climate change.
The centre will also publish policy recommendations to support climate action across the region.
According to the statement, the centre is expected to contribute towards a more coordinated and effective ASEAN response to climate change while supporting member states in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to future climate impacts.
The Minister of Development had previously signed the agreement on 23 August 2023 on the sidelines of the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The agreement was subsequently signed by all 10 ASEAN member states on 10 February 2025.
As part of Brunei Darussalam’s ratification process, the Instrument of Ratification signed on 20 April 2026 has been deposited with the ASEAN Secretariat as the final step for the country to ratify the agreement.
The agreement will enter into force 60 days after the sixth ASEAN member state deposits its Instrument of Ratification with the ASEAN Secretariat, allowing the centre to be fully established.
The signing also reflects Brunei Darussalam’s commitment as host country to support the establishment of the ACCC, including preparations for an implementation act to grant the centre privileges, immunities and autonomy similar to diplomatic missions in the country.
To support the centre’s operations, Brunei Darussalam has contributed USD1.5 million to fund the first three years following its establishment.
The Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Council and the Brunei Climate Change Office will continue supporting the establishment of the ACCC while encouraging other ASEAN member states to ratify the agreement.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
