Ambassador of Denmark Visits ACSDSD to Strengthen ASEAN–Denmark Cooperation on Circular Economy and Waste Management
The ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD) was honored to welcome H.E. Mr. Danny Annan, Ambassador of Denmark to Thailand and Cambodia, for a working visit to discuss enhanced cooperation in sustainable development, particularly in advancing the circular economy and waste management across the ASEAN region.
H.E. Ambassador Annan was accompanied by Mr. Martin Schneekloth, Sector Counsellor on Circular Economy at the Danish Embassy, who underlined Denmark’s readiness to support ASEAN’s efforts with technical expertise and practical solutions in waste management and extended producer responsibility (EPR).
The meeting was hosted by H.E. Ambassador Phasporn Sangasubana, Executive Director of ACSDSD, who shared the Centre’s vision and growing role as ASEAN’s coordinator on sustainable development. Established in 2019 under the Complementarities Initiative, ACSDSD has recently become a legal entity and is now developing its five-year work plan, aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The Centre aims to serve as a regional hub, integrating sustainable development into ASEAN sectoral work while expanding collaboration with external partners.
Ambassador Annan highlighted Denmark’s growing interest in ASEAN as a strategic partner, noting the Danish government’s increasing engagement in the region. Denmark’s expertise in circular economy and waste management was emphasized, with its successful system allowing only 2–3% of waste to go to landfill and enabling the country to import waste for its advanced waste-to-energy plants.
The discussion also highlighted the ongoing Thai–Danish Strategic Sector Cooperation Project on Circular Economy and Waste Management, where ACSDSD plays a central role in strengthening communication and stakeholder engagement. Current project activities include extended producer responsibility (EPR) mapping across ASEAN, the recruitment of communication specialists, and partnerships with media agencies to raise awareness and improve dialogue.
Both parties explored future opportunities for collaboration, such as developing region-wide circular economy initiatives, launching capacity-building programs on EPR legislation for parliamentarians, and supporting municipalities in Thailand and ASEAN to learn from Denmark’s waste management experience.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen the partnership. A follow-up dialogue is scheduled in November with the Thai Parliament and local government representatives to further advance collaboration on circular economy legislation and community-level initiatives.
ACSDSD looks forward to continuing this strong and long-term partnership with Denmark to accelerate ASEAN’s transition toward a sustainable, circular economy.
About us:
The ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ACESP) is a regional facility helping ASEAN Member States (AMS) achieve sustainable consumption and production by accelerating the transition towards a circular economy.
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