AKP Phnom Penh, May 30, 2025 -- 

UNICEF France Ambassador Miss Elodie Gossuin visited Cambodia to witness the growing impact of climate change on children and spotlight tangible, climate-smart solutions led by UNICEF and its partners, the UNICEF Cambodia said in a press release on May 29.

TV host and former Miss France, Elodie Gossuin—a mother of four—travelled with UNICEF teams to Siem Reap province and the Tonle Sap region. There, she met children and families living on the frontlines of climate disruption and observed innovative interventions that support education, healthcare, and clean water access, even in the face of extreme weather. She has been a dedicated advocate for children’s rights alongside UNICEF France for over a decade.

“Elodie has been by our side for many years, always with the same energy, kindness, and dedication,” said Marie-Pierre Spinosi, Head of Public Relations and Events at UNICEF France. “In the field, she creates a special bond with children. Her recent mission to Cambodia once again showed how genuinely committed she is to championing children’s rights.”

Cambodia is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Increasingly frequent droughts and floods threaten children’s access to nutritious food, clean water, and safe learning environments. According to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI), Cambodia ranks 46 out of 163 countries—placing it in the top third globally for high climate risk.  

Nearly two million children—more than one-third of Cambodia’s child population—live in areas regularly exposed to extreme weather and environmental threats such as riverine water scarcity, and vector-borne diseases. Many of these children still lack access to essential services needed to cope in times of crisis.

In Siem Reap, Elodie Gossuin visited a climate-resilient school offering life skills education with an environmental focus. The school is equipped with solar panels and flood-resistant WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities, enabling continued access to education even during climate shocks.

The UNICEF France Ambassador also met with families in Chi Kreng district, where UNICEF, in partnership with local authorities and the private sector, is developing climate-resilient water supply systems. She visited a floating health centre on Tonle Sap Lake, an adaptive healthcare model designed to reach remote communities affected by the lake’s changing water levels.

“We are deeply grateful to UNICEF France and Elodie for their steadfast support in amplifying our work on the ground,” said Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia. “This engagement helps us deliver climate-smart programmes that protect children’s rights to health, education, and safety—despite the growing threats posed by climate change. Children are the least responsible for this crisis, yet they suffer the most. That’s why we’re building resilient systems to secure their future.”

Throughout her visit, Elodie Gossuin engaged with families supported by the Family Package—a nationwide social protection system that helps the most vulnerable access essential services. She met children receiving scholarships, pregnant women benefiting from free prenatal care, and persons with disabilities receiving cash assistance through this inclusive safety net.

She also learned about awareness and training programmes led by UNICEF and partners—including Buddhist pagodas and monks—that promote positive discipline, prevent violence, and build climate awareness. In her conversations with youth leaders, Elodie Gossuin heard inspiring stories of community action, as young people develop practical solutions to reduce risk and protect their environment.

“Climate change disrupts everything—and children always pay the highest price,” said Elodie Gossuin. “But here in Cambodia, I saw solutions, commitment and hope. Schools that stay open despite floods. Youth stepping up to protect their environment. Families holding strong. This is the fight I want to stand for.”

(Photo: UNICEF)

By Phal Sophanith