Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Environment officially launched the Cambodia Climate Change Strategic Plan 2024-2033 (CCCSP 2024-2033) during a ceremony held in Phnom Penh on May 22. The launch was presided over by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment and Chairman of the National Council for Sustainable Development. The event saw the attendance of H.E. Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador to Cambodia, Ms. Alissar Chaker, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cambodia, and several representatives from relevant ministries, institutions, sub-national administrations, educational establishments, the private sector, and other distinguished guests.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Sum Thy, Director General of the General Directorate of Policy and Strategy at the Ministry of Environment, emphasized that the CCCSP 2024-2033 focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing climate change adaptation capacity, promoting good governance, and advancing digital transformation.
In his keynote address, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth highlighted the importance of the CCCSP as a crucial policy framework to steer Cambodia toward carbon neutrality by 2050. He stressed the need for coordinated action across all sectors to ensure the effective implementation of the plan. Priority areas for immediate emission reductions include the energy sector, industrial processes and product use, forestry and agricultural land use, and waste management.
UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Alissar Chaker described the CCCSP 2024-2033 as more than a policy document. She referred to it as a shared roadmap toward Cambodia's climate vision to achieve carbon neutrality and climate resilience for inclusive and sustainable development. The plan aims to create a national framework to reduce emissions, enhance resilience, and improve climate governance for societal, environmental, and economic well-being.
Ambassador H.E. Igor Driesmans reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting green finance initiatives in Cambodia. He mentioned plans to mobilize European investors and companies through innovative financial tools, such as blended finance and risk-sharing mechanisms. These efforts are intended to support sustainable renewable energy projects, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient infrastructure, which are key drivers of economic growth, job creation, and environmental protection.