LIMA: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, underscored the importance of global unity to prevent the escalation of ongoing conflicts in regions such as Palestine, Lebanon, and the Balkans. These conflicts pose serious threats to global progress, disrupt supply chains, and threaten global security and economic stability. His Majesty delivered this address during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Retreat at the Lima Convention Centre in Lima, Republic of Peru, with His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen in attendance.

According to Radio Television Brunei, His Majesty emphasized the necessity of addressing persistent challenges such as conflicts and climate change, which threaten collective prosperity and stability. He highlighted that disruptive weather patterns are adversely affecting lives and livelihoods, endangering global ecosystems. His Majesty asserted that no
single economy, irrespective of its size, can tackle these issues alone, thereby necessitating collective action to safeguard communities and secure a resilient future.

Fostering collaboration among economies is essential, His Majesty noted, as it enables them to confront these challenges through joint research, robust policy formulations, and effective strategies. Emphasis was placed on key deliverables such as clean and low-carbon hydrogen and initiatives to prevent food loss and waste, which are vital components of the Bangkok Goals agreed upon in 2022. These initiatives are crucial for tackling food security challenges posed by climate change and enhancing the resilience of APEC economies.