The Cambodia Climate Change Forum 2024 (CCCF24) opened today in Sihanoukville, bringing together participants to address pressing climate change challenges and opportunities in Cambodia and the region. The forum also showcases climate-smart innovations and technologies.
Read More: CCCS23 Report Shares Insights Into Kingdom’s Commitment To A Sustainable Future
Collaborative Efforts for Climate Resilience
CCCF24 is hosted by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Mekong Future Initiative (MFI). This forum will significantly contribute to Cambodia’s preparations for the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP29) in November. The opening ceremony featured remarks from Cambodia’s Minister of Environment H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Mr. Jason Kalbfleisch, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission from the U.S. Embassy, H.E. Mr. Derek Yip, the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, and H.E. Mr. Dominic Williams, the British Ambassador to Cambodia.
Running from October 24-25, the event includes 24 plenary sessions focusing on various topics such as renewable energy, climate finance, carbon markets, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, six youth roundtable discussions will engage young leaders in shaping Cambodia’s sustainable future.
Commitment to Climate Action
During the opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth highlighted Cambodia’s vulnerability to climate change, particularly within its agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors. He emphasized the urgent need for ambitious climate action. “We are focusing on practical steps, such as implementing the newly adopted Environment and Natural Resources Code and advancing initiatives like our national reforestation campaign, aiming to plant one million trees annually. These efforts are integral to achieving our long-term strategy for carbon neutrality by 2050,” he stated.
He also pointed to the success of campaigns like “Today I Do Not Use Plastic Bags” and the Phnom Penh Declaration on Plastic Waste, showcasing the effectiveness of collective action. “I believe that the Cambodia Climate Change Forum 2024 will be an excellent platform to bring together all stakeholders, particularly the private sector, to address climate change effectively,” he added.
Global Partnerships for Sustainable Solutions
CCCF24 is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as the lead sponsor, with support from the Australian Embassy. Mr. Kalbfleisch expressed the U.S. government’s commitment, stating, “The U.S. government, through USAID, is honored to serve as the lead sponsor for the Cambodian Climate Change Forum 2024, focusing on supporting coastal communities in Cambodia to adapt to climate change.”
He elaborated on the U.S. government’s significant investments in Cambodia, noting, “Over the past three decades, the U.S. government has invested more than $3 billion in Cambodia’s development, with over $100 million in the last six years aimed at combating climate change. In the next two days, we will showcase five USAID projects that emphasize locally developed solutions, innovative climate financing, and the crucial role of youth and indigenous communities in long-term climate strategies.”
Australian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Derek Yip remarked, “Climate change is an existential threat to our region. Australia is strengthening our climate cooperation in Cambodia. We are increasing access to climate-resilient water and sanitation services for rural Cambodians, supporting climate-smart innovations in agriculture, and collaborating with energy officials to facilitate the clean energy transition.”
The forum also features a Sustainable Solutions Expo, open to the public throughout the event, showcasing climate-focused technologies and approaches.
