ISEAS Perspective: ASEAN’S Evolving Climate Governance Framework

People protecting themselves from the sun on a hot day in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 16 July 2025. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) issued a significant weather alert forecasting a hot and dry spell across most parts of the country from 18 to 23 July 2025 | Photo by Agoes Rudianto/ANADOLU/Anadolu via AF

In this paper published by NYSEAN Partner ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Sharon Seah, Melinda Martinus, and Jiahui Qiu assert that ASEAN’s climate governance architecture has evolved to to align regional ambition with Paris Agreement goals due to a growing recognition that regional coordination, through shared infrastructure, harmonised standards, and institutional frameworks, is vital in accelerating the green transition and attracting international climate finance.

Sharon Seah is Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the Climate Change in Southeast Asia Program, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. Melinda Martinus is the Lead Researcher in Socio-cultural Affairs at the ASEAN Studies Center, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. Jiahui Qiu is Research Officer at the Climate Change in Southeast Asia Program at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.