24 & 25 June 2025—The 5th Meeting of the IMT-GT Working Group on Environment (WGE) which was chaired by Malaysia was successfully convened in Hat Yai, Thailand, bringing together senior officials, delegates and partners from JBC, UNINET, ADB, UNESCAP, IGES and local governments of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

The meeting served as a vital platform to strengthen subregional collaboration on environmental sustainability within the IMT-GT framework.

Key agenda items included waste management, oil spill management, and the advancement of green, blue and circular economy initiatives, aligned with the IMT-GT Implementation Blueprint 2022–2026.

The programme concluded with a field visit to local sustainability initiatives in Hat Yai and Ko Yo, showcasing practical applications of environmental solutions at the subnational level.

Furthermore, a cultural welcome dinner celebrating Thai heritage and subregional friendship organised by Thailand was held after the official meeting. Delegates were treated to an enchanting performance of traditional Thai dance and enjoyed a feast of Southern Thai delicacies, celebrating the rich culture and hospitality of the host country.