The ASEAN Working Group on Environmental Education (AWGEE) plays an important role in coordinating environmental education policies and initiatives among ASEAN Member States (AMS) and ASEAN Partners. AWGEE supports the aspirations of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN) through the implementation of regional action plans, the sharing of best practices, and collaborative action to enhance environmental awareness.

The 18^th Meeting of the AWGEE was held from 2 to 3 July 2026 in Singapore, hosted by Singapore and chaired by Viet Nam. The meeting was attended by representatives from AMS, ASEAN Partners and the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC).

The Malaysian delegation was led by Ms. Hajah Azuri Azizah binti Haji Saedon, Deputy Director General (Development) of the Department of Environment (DOE), in her capacity as the National Focal Point, accompanied by senior officers from the Strategic Communications Division, DOE.

As the lead country, Malaysia, in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), presented the Revised ASEAN Guidelines on Eco-Schools. The document was endorsed at the 18^th AWGEE Meeting as the principal reference for the implementation and assessment of the ASEAN Eco-Schools Award Programme.

The guidelines strengthen the implementation of environmental education across ASEAN through a more practical and flexible approach that take into account the needs of AMS. In addition, the guidelines encourage the sharing of best practices and support efforts to nurture a generation that is more environmentally conscious and committed to sustainability.

In conjunction with the meeting, the Malaysian delegation also visited Compassvale Secondary School and Gardens by the Bay to observe and learn from Singapore’s best practices in strengthening environmental sustainability education and fostering a green culture at the school and community levels.