Phnom Penh, May 23, 2025 – The Ministry of Environment has officially launched the Cambodia Climate Change Strategic Plan 2024–2033 (CCCSP), outlining an ambitious path toward a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient future by 2050.
The launch event on May 22 in Phnom Penh was presided over by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment and Chairman of the National Council for Sustainable Development. The ceremony gathered dignitaries, including H.E. Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador to Cambodia, and Ms. Alissar Chaker, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Cambodia, along with a wide range of stakeholders.
Strategic Vision for a Greener Cambodia
H.E. Sum Thy, Director General of the General Directorate of Policy and Strategy, introduced the CCCSP 2024–2033 as a policy blueprint focused on four key priorities: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening adaptation capacity, enhancing governance, and driving digital transformation.
The strategy aims to create a cross-sectoral effort that ensures all parts of government and society are aligned in responding to climate challenges. Immediate focus areas include reforming the energy sector, transforming industrial processes, promoting sustainable land use, and improving waste management systems.
In his keynote remarks, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth stressed that the CCCSP serves as a guiding framework to lead Cambodia toward achieving its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. He called for a coordinated approach across ministries, local administrations, and the private sector to ensure the strategy’s success.
A National Roadmap for Resilience and Inclusion
Ms. Alissar Chaker of the UNDP praised the CCCSP not only as a government plan but as a national commitment. She described it as a shared vision for achieving climate resilience and inclusive development. The strategy lays the groundwork for reducing emissions and enhancing climate governance for long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
The CCCSP’s design reflects Cambodia’s commitment to both domestic climate goals and international frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement. It integrates resilience-building efforts to protect vulnerable communities from increasing climate risks, including floods, droughts, and changing weather patterns.
EU Pledges Support for Green Finance and Innovation
EU Ambassador H.E. Igor Driesmans reaffirmed the European Union’s continued support for Cambodia’s climate journey. He emphasized the importance of innovative finance solutions, including blended finance and risk-sharing mechanisms, to attract investment in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.
Driesmans highlighted the EU’s readiness to mobilize European investors and businesses to support Cambodia’s green transition. These collaborations are expected to drive job creation, enhance environmental protection, and build long-term economic resilience.
As the CCCSP 2024–2033 enters its implementation phase, Cambodia positions itself as a proactive player in the global fight against climate change—committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon future.
