Senior finance and central bank officials from Southeast Asia and major economies gathered in Luang Prabang, Laos, to strategize solutions for enhancing regional resilience against shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change-induced disasters.

The meetings, held amid heavy smoke from fires, underscore the urgency of accelerating progress in combating climate change. Laos and other Southeast Asian nations are committed to adopting sustainable practices but face challenges in securing funding for such initiatives.

Green finance is a key agenda item, alongside discussions on infrastructure funding and disaster risk management. Participants are also refining a framework to identify projects that align with ASEAN's sustainability goals.

ASEAN countries, vulnerable to extreme weather events and rising sea levels, require significant investments in clean energy. However, unlocking financing remains a challenge. Laos, a landlocked country rich in hydroelectric power, is striving to integrate into the regional economy while grappling with economic and environmental issues.

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Senior finance officials from Southeast Asia and major economies gathered in Luang Prabang, Laos, to address climate resilience and economic challenges. Green finance and infrastructure funding are key topics, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions in ASEAN.