AKP Phnom Penh, April 11, 2025 --

The United Nations Coordinator commended Cambodia for its management of natural resources and the environment, particularly its effective response to sustainable development. 

H.E. Joseph Scheuer, the UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia, during a meeting to discuss cooperation with H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, at the ministry’s office on April 10 afternoon, highly valued the achievements of the Royal Government of Cambodia, especially in managing natural resources and the environment to address climate change and promote sustainable development.

During the meeting, H.E. Joseph Scheuer reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to further strengthening joint collaboration to enhance the livelihoods of Cambodians and effectively respond to sustainable development. 

In response, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth highlighted Cambodia’s efforts, particularly the Ministry of Environment’s leadership in preparing the pivotal "Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0)" to demonstrate Cambodia’s ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors, especially energy, industry, agriculture, forestry, chemicals, and waste.

In addressing climate change, H.E. Minister expressed gratitude to the UN, particularly the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for coordinating and supporting Cambodia in formulating the NDC 3.0, which reflects Cambodia’s strong commitment to achieving the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. 

It should be noted that during the meeting, both sides also discussed the annual dialogue forum between the UN system and Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, scheduled for September 2025, to review and reflect on the joint contributions between the UN and the Royal Government of Cambodia. They also discussed national development priorities, progress toward achieving Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs), and strengthening cooperation between the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) and the UN system. This year’s discussion also focused on the RGC’s priorities and strategic direction for climate change response.  

By K. Rithy Reak