Cambodia Calls for Regional Unity on Green Development and Climate Action

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.01, 2025) — Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has urged regional countries to strengthen cooperation in tackling environmental challenges and climate change, calling joint action essential for sustainable development.

Speaking at a regional conference titled “The Transition Toward Green Development in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam,” held Tuesday in Phnom Penh, Sophalleth emphasized the shared responsibility of neighboring countries. “We share the same water, we breathe the same air, and we rely on the same forests—therefore, joint measures are essential,” he said.

The event was organized by the Royal Academy of Cambodia in partnership with the Korea Environment Institute, and included participants from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and the Republic of Korea.

He outlined Cambodia’s environmental efforts under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership, guided by the Pentagon Strategy Phase I and the Environmental Sector Strategic Plan. He highlighted national campaigns promoting “clean land, clean skies, and clean water,” with broad participation from students, teachers, monks, civil society, and local authorities.

Key achievements include an 85% reduction in plastic imports, the prevention of 15 million cubic meters of polluted water from entering public sources, and the recovery of state-owned forest lands through stricter enforcement and collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Unit.

Sophalleth called for deeper collaboration among national academies in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, proposing joint action plans to combat industrial pollution, protect forests, reduce emissions, and enhance climate resilience.

“Let us move forward together to expand cleanliness and greenery,” he said. “All of us can contribute to helping humanity and achieving our shared vision of becoming carbon-neutral countries by 2050.”