This photo shows grapevines at the Viña Montes vineyard in Millahue de Apalta, Santa Cruz, Chile, on Aug 8, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

VIENTIANE — Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have signed an agreement on the establishment of an ASEAN Center for Climate Change to enhance coordinated and integrated approach in regional climate change response.

The deal, signed on Thursday in the Lao capital Vientiane, is part of the commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, and Nationally Determined Contributions.

ASEAN Center for Climate Change will prepare regional coordination on climate change initiatives among member states

READ MORE: Climate change highlighted in global forum amid heatwaves

The center will set out national plans and strategies on climate change responses, including mitigation and adaptation, which reflect equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances.

The center will also prepare regional coordination on climate change initiatives among member states with relevant national governments and regional and international organizations, and provide policy recommendations on addressing climate change to member states.

READ MORE: WMO: Effects of climate change increasing in Asia

Other goals include creating capacity building programs to improve working competencies on addressing climate change.