The Cambodia Climate Change Forum 2024 (CCCF24) opened today in Sihanoukville. Participants discussed pressing climate change challenges and opportunities in Cambodia and the region and showcased climate-smart innovations and technologies.

CCCF24 is hosted by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Mekong Future Initiative (MFI) and will contribute to Cambodia’s preparations for the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP29) in November.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Cambodia’s Minister of Environment H.E. Dr Eang Sophalleth, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission from the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Jason Kalbfleisch, the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Mr Derek Yip, and the British Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Dominic Williams.

The event, running 24-25 October, includes 24 plenary sessions focused on renewable energy, climate finance, carbon markets, and the Sustainable Development Goals, among other topics. Six youth roundtable discussions will also engage young leaders to contribute to Cambodia’s sustainable future.

H.E. Dr Eang Sophalleth said, “Cambodia’s vulnerability to climate change is evident in our agriculture, fisheries, and forest sectors and we recognize the urgency of taking 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.”

“The success of our campaigns, such as ‘Today I Do Not Use Plastic Bags’ and the Phnom Penh Declaration on Plastic Waste, show that collective action works. I believe that the Cambodia Climate Change Forum 2024 will be an excellent forum to bring together all stakeholders, particularly the private sector, to act more in addressing climate change,” he added.

CCCF24 is sponsored by the lead sponsor, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the supporting sponsor, the Australian Embassy through the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED).

“The U.S. government, through USAID, is honored to serve as the lead sponsor for the Cambodian Climate Change Forum 2024, with a focus on supporting coastal communities in Cambodia to adapt to the impacts of climate change,” said Mr. Jason Kalbfleisch, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission from the U.S. Embassy.

 

“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. Together, we are advancing efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods and climate-smart agriculture, helping Cambodia meet its climate goals under the Paris Agreement," he added.

Australian Ambassador H.E. Mr Derek Yip said, “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 working with energy officials to support the clean energy transition."

CCCF24 includes a Sustainable Solutions Expo, open to the public for the duration of the event, to showcase climate-focused technologies and approaches.