At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Green Development Forum, Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment highlighted the nation’s extensive efforts to combat climate change, calling for global collaboration and sustainable solutions to address the escalating environmental crisis. The forum, held from July 8-9 in Qingdao, China, gathered SCO member states and partners to discuss green development and climate action. 

Cambodia, a dialogue partner of the SCO since 2015, is seeking observer status within the 10-member organization. Chuop Paris, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Environment, represented Cambodia at the event, emphasizing the country’s commitment to a carbon neutral strategy through national policies like the Pentagonal Strategy and the Circular Strategy on Environment (2023-2028). 

Paris detailed Cambodia’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the 2050 Long-term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN), which outline priorities for adaptation, mitigation, governance, green finance, and transparency. These frameworks aim to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 through decarbonization and green economic transition. 

The forum also highlighted the progress of SCO countries in climate action, sharing practical experiences and achievements in mitigation and adaptation to promote carbon neutrality. Despite significant strides, Cambodia faces challenges, such as data availability and quality, value chain complexity, and human resources, in its ESG initiatives. 

Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth reiterated Cambodia’s dedication to international climate efforts, noting the country’s achievement of 62% renewable energy capacity. The government aims to increase this to 70% by 2030, having recently canceled a 700MW domestic coal power project. 

SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming and Deputy Secretary-General Shri Janesh Kain underscored the importance of cooperation among member states to enhance trade, economic development, and security in the region. The SCO, encompassing 26 states, plays a crucial role in fostering international political security and promoting sustainable development through collective efforts and the “Shanghai Spirit.” 

Sources: 

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501520214/cambodia-shares-climate-plans-solutions-at-sco-green-forum/ 

https://www.theanchorage.info/articles2/85601-cambodia-shares-climate-plans-solutions-at-sco-green-forum