The Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT RRC.AP) co-organized the 17th Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting of the Malé Declaration from 8–9 July 2026 in Malé, Maldives. The two-day meeting brought together National Focal Points from Malé Declaration member countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India, along with the representatives from UNEP Delhi and regional facilitator of the Declaration.
The meeting was opened by Mr. Norbu Wangchuk, Director General of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), followed by congratulatory remarks from Dr. Guilberto Borongan, Director of AIT RRC.AP, and an opening address by His Excellency Mr. Ali Shareef, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy of the Republic of Maldives. The first day of the meeting focused on institutional developments and discussions to strengthen the Malé Declaration. Dr. Vanisa Surapipith, Head of the Air Pollution Cluster at AIT RRC.AP, presented key findings from the regional scoping study, conducted with SEI and core team. The session also included discussions on the Draft Amended Declaration for the revival and strengthening of the Malé Declaration.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between SACEP and AIT RRC.AP was also held, marking the official transition of the Secretariat role from AIT RRC.AP to SACEP. On the second day, the meeting focused on the proposed Work Programme and Budget, as well as the decisions, recommendations, and agreed actions to be delivered onwards to the Governing Council (GC) Meeting of SACEP.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from member countries and partners to strengthen regional cooperation and advance efforts to improve air quality in South Asia.
