Jakarta, 6 December 2023: The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) has received official accreditation as an intergovernmental organization (IGO) by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), effective as of 4 December 2023. This milestone represents international recognition of ERIA’s contributions in promoting environmental sustainability.  

This recognition grants ERIA the status of an observer within UNEA and its subsidiary organs, allowing participation in public meetings, discussions, and deliberations, albeit without voting rights.  

‘We are honoured by this significant recognition from UNEP, affirming our dedication to fostering environmental sustainability in the ASEAN and East Asia regions. ERIA is committed to actively contributing as an observer within UNEA to further discussions and collaborations towards addressing pressing environmental challenges,’ said Tetsuya Watanabe, President of ERIA.   

This accreditation comes shortly after ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in coordination with the Indonesian government and the Indonesia National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), organized the ASEAN Conference on Combatting Plastic Pollution (ACCPP) 2023 in October. The event served as a platform for policymakers, the private sector, and civil society from ASEAN Member States to exchange strategies in addressing plastic pollution. Additionally, it facilitated discussions on strengthening ASEAN's role in supporting these efforts, including preparations for implementing the international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. 

For further details on the roles and list of IGO observers recognised by the United Nations Environment Assembly, please visit: https://www.unep.org/environmentassembly/accreditation-of-igos