Embracing a Green Horizon: Cambodia’s Strides Towards a Sustainable Tomorrow
The Kingdom of Cambodia has emerged as a shining example of commitment to a sustainable future, as showcased in the final report of the Cambodia Climate Change Summit 2023 (CCCS23). This momentous event, organized under the stewardship of H.E. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, marks the country’s largest and most diverse gathering of climate experts, stakeholders, and officials.
The summit not only underscored Cambodia’s dedication to green diplomacy and mitigation strategies but also highlighted the nation’s journey towards a cleaner, more eco-committed future.
Read the full report, which was prepared by Tom Starkey for the Mekong Future Initiative, here.
The comprehensive final report of CCCS23 delves into 25 key topics, featuring contributions from over 90 experts across public, private, and non-profit sectors. From climate financing to renewable energy, energy entrepreneurship, nature-based solutions, water security, innovation in agriculture, sustainable tourism, energy efficiency, REDD+, and regulatory compliance – the summit covered an extensive array of subjects crucial for steering Cambodia towards a sustainable path.
Key contributors included representatives from the Ministry of Environment, World Bank, ADB, UNDP, UNIDO, Mekong Strategic Capital, the National Bank of Cambodia, FTB, and various foreign embassies. Australia, as an official partner through its Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED), played a pivotal role in supporting the summit. Andreas Zurbrugg, Australian Charge d’affaires, emphasized the significance of CCCS23 as a dynamic platform bringing together leading thinkers, decision-makers, and implementers to address Cambodia’s pressing climate change issues.
The summit also received sponsorship from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Notably, the Sustainable Solutions Expo, hosted by SDC, provided a groundbreaking opportunity for attendees to engage with visionary businesses and organizations, further amplifying the summit’s impact.
Silver sponsors Oxfam, Kosher Climate, and UN FAO, along with bronze sponsors Heineken and Forte Insurance, added their weight to the event, contributing to a diverse range of perspectives shared during CCCS23.
H.E. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, echoing the sentiments of U.S. Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy and Australia’s Ambassador Justin Whyatt during the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28). The chairman of the Mekong Future Initiative, H.E. Neak Okhna Sear Rithy, stressed that the summit revealed the inseparable link between tackling the challenge of climate change and securing the future for children, the nation, and the world.
In essence, the Cambodia Climate Change Summit 2023 not only brought together diverse organizations committed to climate action but also produced a valuable report, offering key takeaways and insights for practitioners, businesses, and climate professionals.
Cambodia’s journey towards a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future is not just a national effort but a global inspiration for the collective pursuit of sustainable living.