The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is stepping up regional cooperation on “loss and damage” as member states face the growing impacts of climate-related disasters across Southeast Asia.
The initiative was highlighted during the inaugural session of ASEAN Climate Week 2026, where officials stressed that climate action must go beyond mitigation and adaptation to support communities already experiencing irreversible impacts, such as destroyed homes, lost livelihoods, and disrupted services.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said stronger coordination is essential as climate risks intensify in the region.
“What ASEAN is doing is pushing for stronger coordination and collaboration among member states, as well as the sharing of resources and technical expertise,” Cuna said.
He added that ongoing regional studies aim to assess each country’s preparedness for climate impacts and identify gaps that need to be addressed.
The concept of loss and damage refers to the consequences of climate change that cannot be avoided, even with strong mitigation efforts, including destruction caused by extreme weather events such as typhoons, floods, and droughts.
Officials said enhanced cooperation is expected to improve disaster response, expand access to recovery financing, and strengthen rehabilitation efforts in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and housing.
ASEAN members are also working to enhance climate risk management systems, improve data sharing, and build technical capacity to better anticipate and respond to disasters. Efforts include streamlining access to international climate funds and aligning regional approaches to post-disaster recovery.
Through ASEAN Climate Week, officials and experts are engaging in discussions and capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening these mechanisms and ensuring more coordinated responses to climate emergencies.
As the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026, officials said advancing cooperation on loss and damage remains a key priority, reflecting a broader push for a more resilient and responsive region amid escalating climate threats.