On 16 October 2025, Dr. Pitchayaphant Charnbhumidol, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, jointly delivered opening remarks at the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF) 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Forum was co-organised by the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability of Malaysia, the European Union, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, and other partners. The event was attended by more than 240 participants from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, external partners, and relevant stakeholders.

The ACEF 2025 was held under the theme “Accelerate the Circular Economy Transition in ASEAN with Green Skills, Innovative Solutions, and Investments.” Dr. Pitchayaphant emphasized the region’s challenges in transitioning towards a circular economy, such as the lack of innovation, technology and financial resources. He also highlighted the crucial role of ASEAN-EU cooperation in driving the circular economy agenda to promote ASEAN’s sustainable and resilient growth, as well as to support the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This year’s ACEF marked its third edition, serving as a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and best practices among ASEAN Member States, external partners, and relevant stakeholders, aimed at advancing the circular economy at the regional level. The first and second editions of the Forum were held in Indonesia and Thailand, respectively.