Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia has established itself as a leader in Southeast Asia’s fight against climate change by becoming the first member country in the region to endorse the Global Green Growth Institute’s (GGGI) ‘Blue Skies & Net Zero 2050’ campaign. This pivotal endorsement was announced by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of the Ministry of Environment, demonstrating Cambodia’s commitment to a sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
The campaign was launched in tandem with the unveiling of the Ministry of Environment’s Circular Strategy on Environment for the years 2023-2028, marking a significant step in Cambodia’s journey towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This strategic move was supported by international partners, including Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Oxfam in Cambodia, and hosted at the Mok Mareth Hall of the Ministry of Environment.
Promoting Clean, Green, And Sustainable Development For Cambodia
At the heart of the campaign’s launch, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth emphasized the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in tackling climate change. “This initiative provides an excellent platform for engaging all stakeholders, including the youth, to raise awareness about climate change and build resilience,” he said. The Minister’s commitment to promoting clean, green, and sustainable development for Cambodia aligns with the country’s long-term environmental vision.
The event featured a high-level panel session and a youth debate, focusing on urgent environmental issues. Key discussions revolved around transforming Cambodia’s transportation and industrial sectors to reduce their environmental impact, particularly on air quality. The panel also highlighted the necessity for investment in sustainable technologies and the evolving landscape of green finance within Cambodia.
Sandrine Boucher, the AFD Country Director for Cambodia, brought global perspectives to the discussion. “With our extensive experience in managing air quality and observing the global impacts of air pollution, AFD is eager to share technical expertise with Cambodia in its fight against the adverse effects of air pollution,” she stated.
Ms. Shomi Kim, the GGGI Country Representative in Cambodia, expressed satisfaction with the collaborative spirit of the initiative. “The enthusiasm and collective effort of government stakeholders, development partners, the private sector, and the youth in discussing Cambodia’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2050 is commendable,” she remarked.
Oxfam’s National Director for Cambodia, Ms. Sophoan Phean, praised Cambodia’s proactive stance. “Endorsing the ‘Blue Skies & Net Zero 2050’ campaign is a significant step for Cambodia in addressing climate change and fostering a sustainable future. It is crucial to involve communities most affected by climate change and the youth in this journey,” she noted.
Role Of The Private Sector And Youth-Led Initiatives In Sustainability
The discussions also shed light on the vital role of the private sector and youth-led initiatives in sustainability. The campaign aims to raise awareness about climate actions that align with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s priorities, set in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN), alongside other national policies and targets.
Initially launched by GGGI and the Climate Change Center (Republic of Korea) in 2020, the ‘Blue Skies & Net Zero 2050’ Campaign functions as a comprehensive platform bringing together governments, businesses, civil society groups, youth, and the public sector. The campaign not only focuses on enhancing awareness about air pollution but also promotes Cambodia’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, highlighting the country’s leadership role in regional climate action.
