{
  "id": 20137341,
  "title": "Science diplomacy, sustainable funding vital to stronger Asean haze response",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/science-diplomacy-sustainable-funding-vital-to-stronger-asean-haze",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T07:48:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1578352/science-diplomacy-sustainable-funding-vital-stronger-asean-haze"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia is advocating for a science-based approach and sustainable financing to combat transboundary haze pollution across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim outlined these proposals during the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee meeting in Bali, Indonesia, in July. The initiatives aim to bolster scientific cooperation and ensure evidence-based decision-making in addressing the haze issue. Malaysia also hopes to secure top priority for these proposals at the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) in December.\n\nFor Anwar, protecting ASEAN's biodiversity is not just an environmental obligation; it's a matter of regional sovereignty. He emphasized the collective responsibility to strengthen regional governance, ensure sustainable and equitable use of biodiversity resources, and safeguard them from external exploitation or misuse. This stance was reiterated during the plenary session of the 49th ASEAN Summit.\n\nIn response to the ongoing air pollution crisis, ASEAN foreign ministers have now urged for the accelerated operation of the Asean Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control. This comes amid fresh concerns over the severe air quality that has once again impacted several Southeast Asian nations.",
  "summary": "MANILA: Malaysia hopes its proposals to address transboundary haze, including the adoption of Science Diplomacy and establishment of a Sustainable Haze Fund, will receive serious consideration from Asean member states.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia advocates science-based approach and sustainable financing for ASEAN haze response.",
    "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim proposes initiatives during Bali meeting in July.",
    "AATHP conference in December to prioritize proposals."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Shifting toward scientific cooperation and sustainable financing signals a move to transform regional haze management from a reactive crisis response into a proactive framework of sovereign environmental governance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}