At the Cambodia Climate Change Summit 2024 (CCCS24), on October 24-25 in Sihanoukville, the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) presented the PAGE scoping study for Cambodia during the panel “Towards a Green and Inclusive Economy”, hosted by UNDP Cambodia, which focused on identifying key factors for driving green transitions in Cambodia, emphasizing financing and job creation to achieve development goals.
The CDRI and PAGE developed a policy scoping study and summary brief, which were presented at the event. During the panel, Dr. Dina Chhorn Centre Director of Development Economics and Trade at CDRI emphasized the significance of advancing Cambodia’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth, alongside promoting high-quality development.
He also stressed the necessity of cultivating the appropriate skill sets within the workforce to maintain competitiveness in the rapidly evolving job market, particularly in the context of green transformation. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of industries adopting greener practices through the integration of advanced technologies, such as renewable energy and decarbonization technologies.
He argued that prioritizing education and training programs focused on environmental sustainability across various disciplines is essential. This proactive strategy not only benefits employees but also enhances the overall growth and adaptability of the economy as it transitions to a more sustainable model, thereby ensuring competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Hosted by UNDP Cambodia, this session explored Cambodia’s pathway to becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Panelists discussed how decarbonization, clean energy transitions, and circular economy principles can drive sustainable development while ensuring inclusive growth.
Moderated by Mr. Shakeel AHMAD, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Cambodia. The panelists included Mr. Meng Eang TAING, Director of the Department of Green Economy, Ministry of Environment; Ms. Sokrina SAN, Manager of Product Development and Corporation, Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC); and Dr. Dina CHHORN, Centre Director for Development Economics and Trade, Cambodia Development and Resource Institute (CDRI).
The summary brief outlines five priorities that serves as a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders to identify the obstacles and opportunities for fostering a green economic transition in Cambodia:
The brief was developed based on the last year’s policy scoping study conducted by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) and PAGE. The study aimed at identifying the obstacles and opportunities for fostering a green and inclusive economy in Cambodia.
The Cambodia Climate Change Summit 2024 included 24 sessions on various topics such as climate financing, community-driven climate resilience, and blue carbon initiatives. Key areas of focus will be renewable energy, innovations in agriculture and aquaculture, water security, and waste management through circular economy solutions.
This year’s summit highlighted youth-led initiatives, with discussions led by emerging leaders who are driving change across various sectors. The event hosted an exhibition, showcasing innovative sustainability and environmental stewardship efforts from businesses and organisations.
The CCCS24, held in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), was organised by the Ministry of Environment with support from the Mekong Future Initiative.
Cambodia joined PAGE as a new partner country in 2022. UNITAR acts as the main coordinating agency for the PAGE project in Cambodia. The main Government counterpart is the Department for Green Economy at the Ministry of Environment, in its capacity as the General Secretariat of the National Council for Sustainable Development.
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) has grown into a prominent UN inter-agency programme, including UNEP, UNDP, ILO, UNIDO and UNITAR, that aims to transform economies into drivers of sustainability by supporting partner countries in reframing economic policies and practices around sustainability.
Sources: PAGE, Khmer Times, UNDP Cambodia
