As one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world ASEAN should be at the centre of the decarbonisation transition, and its primary regional architecture mechanism should be at the forefront of the debate.

ASEAN released a common position, the so-called ASEAN Joint Statement to COP28, about two months ago.

As usual, however, it is pretty much devoid of substance and it certainly lacks bold statements and targets to ensure that the region will leapfrog in the upcoming decarbonisation era.

“Considering national circumstances, through achieving the aspirational target of 32 percent energy intensity reduction [based on 2005 level] and achieving 23 percent renewable energy share in ASEAN’s energy mix, with a 35 percent renewable energy share in installed power capacity by 2025.”

What do you make of these targets? Not much, right?

The problem is that, as per all projects of regional cooperation and integration (especially cooperation in the case of ASEAN because the mechanism is far from resembling anything related to integration), national governments want to have full strategic autonomy to leverage and maximise their interests.

That’s why, the three words, “Considering national circumstances” of the ASEAN Joint Statement are so heavy, burdensome and troublesome but also normal all at once.

The statement also refers to the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change (AWGCC) Action Plan.

Have you ever heard of them?

There might be reasons why international media covering the United Nations climate conference, COP28, in Dubai do not pay much attention to ASEAN.

It lacks depth, boldness, a real vision and a narrative.

No wonder the world is not concerned about ASEAN and its plans for a just and equal transition.

I feel a lot for all the folks working at the ASEAN Secretariat. They should be rewarded for their endurance and resilience, a continuous test amid daily frustrations.

Even if I was hoping to find some interesting news about ASEAN at COP28, it is not surprising that ASEAN is basically silent on COP28.

Yet even if the COP28 Joint  Statement is the lowest common denominator that was ever possible to agree upon, the ASEAN Secretariat could have played a more ambitious, though symbolic, role in Dubai.

Why not have an ASEAN pavilion or an ASEAN house that would have contained all the national pavilions?

For example, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia and the Philippines all have their own pavilions.

It could have been a great idea to locate all of these under a big “ASEAN tent” that, at least, would have reminded the international community that Southeast Asia has a regional mechanism, that, as slow as it is, tries to forge common policies.

Admittedly, it would have been mostly an exercise in PR. Still, it would have helped channel a sense of unity and an idea that, while dealing with the most intricate issue of our times, climate change, ASEAN had a common vision.

Yes, the member states are devising their new National Determined Contributions and their new Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategies, both essential and extremely complex mitigation-focused tools, but, ultimately, they are in this existential fight together.

The latest relevant publication by ASEAN on climate was the ASEAN State of Climate Change Report (ASCCR), which was published in 2021 when Datuk Lim Jock Hoi was the ASEAN secretary-general.

Why not try to come up with a partial update of the report, a document that would have reflected the latest scientific findings and the evolution of policies that many nations in ASEAN are undertaking?

Why not at least highlight what each capital is “plotting” in terms of their energy transition plans?

The ASEAN Centre for Climate Change was slated to open in September in Brunei.

What happened to this undertaking? It is not that we should expect that this new institution would do the “heavy lifting” when the leaders and their ministers are not visionary and bold enough to enable a closer common position on climate change.

Still, it could be a significant development, a fresh initiative that could play as important a role as the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, which is based in the Philippines and has been punching above its own weight.

Even the ASEAN Foundation came short. Its latest ASEAN Young Climate Leaders Program was organised in September 2021.

Now it seems the foundation is very focused on the digital divide and skills for the future but the fact that it is still missing out on climate action is unforgivable, especially because the climate transition will transform the job market across the whole region.

For example, climate action and education for sustainable development are “soft” areas that are still valuable and should be prioritised because ASEAN can carve its own space on these issues.

Though it certainly did not hit the global news, COP28 announced the Declaration on the Common Agenda for Education and Climate Change.

“The declaration sets out a clear path for nations to incorporate education into their national climate strategies, develop climate-smart education policies, and bolster financing to build climate-resilient education systems.”

This is an example of a realm of policy-making where the ASEAN collectivity could have played a role.

The challenges indeed require a much stronger common positioning within the bloc but educating young people, and coming up with more climate leadership initiatives and exchange programs is where ASEAN could take the lead.

Perhaps next year at COP29 there will be a real ASEAN pavilion and ASEAN leaders will have decided to reach far more ambitious common targets in the matter of climate action.

Let us get rid, at least for once, of the “ASEAN way” and push for doable, achievable actions, starting with climate education.

Let us also hope to hear good news from Brunei about the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change.