UN Praises Cambodia’s Role in Addressing Environmental Challenges

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.04,2025) — The United Nations Environment Programme has praised Cambodia for its active role in global environmental efforts, citing the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development.

In a letter dated Sept. 25, UNEP acknowledged Cambodia’s “active involvement and experience-sharing” during the 6th Asia-Pacific Ministerial and High-Level Meeting on Environment, held Aug. 26–29 in Nadi, Fiji.

The forum drew more than 300 participants, including high-level representatives from 41 countries, international organizations and civil society groups.

Cambodia’s delegation was led by Van Monineath, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Environment, under the leadership of Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth.

UNEP said it intends to strengthen cooperation with Cambodia and has invited the country to participate in the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, scheduled for Dec. 8–12 in Nairobi, Kenya.

At the Fiji forum, Cambodia contributed to discussions on regional cooperation to improve air quality, implementation of the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment, and promotion of technological solutions and climate finance to enhance climate resilience.

Cambodia’s participation also helped strengthen regional partnerships and attract support from the Global Environment Facility for national and regional projects.

Key initiatives currently underway include Phase II of the Combating Marine Plastic Pollution project, the GEF-8 program to eliminate hazardous chemicals from supply chains, and efforts to build climate resilience in urban systems through ecosystem-based adaptation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The forum also reviewed UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2026–2029 and its Biennial Programme of Work for 2026–2027, and laid the groundwork for a draft ministerial declaration to be presented at UNEA-7.