Cambodia’s Youth Statement
Background of Cambodia’s Commitment to Addressing Climate Change
In December 1995, Cambodia ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and officially joined as a Party on 17 March 1996, signaling its early commitment to global climate action.
By 2002, the Ministry of Environment heightened its focus on climate issues. Recognizing the urgency, the Cambodia Climate Change Office (CCCO) was established in 2003. This entity transformed into the Climate Change Department (CCD) in 2009. Further institutional evolution took place in 2015 when the CCD became the Department of Climate Change under the General Secretariat of the National Council for Sustainable Development (GSSD), reinforcing Cambodia’s dedication to sustainable development.
In 2015, Cambodia presented its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), detailing its GHG mitigation strategy for 2020-2030, contingent on support from the international community.
Reaffirming its global commitment, Cambodia signed the Paris Climate Agreement in April 2016 and ratified it by February 2017. Despite its minimal contribution to global GHG emissions, the country remains acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Consequently, national strategies such as the Rectangular Strategy Phase IV (2018-2023) and the National Strategic Development Plan (2019-2023) emphasize a sustainable, green, and climate-resilient society.
Cambodia has also proactively met UNFCCC mandates, submitting two National Communications in 2002 and 2016. In 2017, the country shared a voluntary national forest reference emissions level with the UNFCCC. The National Council for Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, recently released the Biennial Update Report (BUR) to the UNFCCC, encapsulating Cambodia’s strategies, challenges, and commitments in addressing climate change.
In essence, Cambodia’s efforts highlight its steadfast commitment to both national and global sustainable development initiatives.