Cambodia calls for ramped up action to build sustainable world economy

Cambodia calls for ramped up action to build sustainable world economy

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth urges world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and business innovators to unite in driving a greener and more resilient global economy, stressing that sustainability must be central to inclusive and future-ready growth.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers Vongsey Vissoth has urged world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and business innovators to unite in shaping a greener and more resilient global economy, emphasising that sustainability must underpin inclusive and future-ready growth.

Cambodia yesterday kicked off the 2025 World Green and Sustainability Summit under the theme “Shaping the Future of Sustainability and Building a Sustainable World,” bringing together government, business, academic, and think-tank leaders to promote global green growth and a cleaner, more inclusive, and sustainable future.

The event gathered senior Cambodian government officials, international experts, development partners, business leaders, and representatives from academia and civil society.

In his opening remarks Vissoth, who represented Prime Minister Hun Manet, underscored the importance of green growth and sustainability as key drivers of Cambodia’s long-term economic development and its contribution to global environmental responsibility.

Vissoth said the event was not merely another forum but a catalyst for tangible action. “This Summit convenes leaders, policymakers, scientists, academia, and private sector innovators united by a shared vision: to shape a greener, more resilient world,” he said. “It is not just another conference, it is a platform to accelerate green transformation at national, regional, and global levels.”

He added that the conventional model of industrial growth, while fostering prosperity, has also deepened inequality and accelerated environmental degradation. With global CO2 emissions having doubled since 1970, he noted that climate change now threatens food security, health, and livelihoods—particularly in developing countries such as Cambodia.

Vissoth warned that “trade fragmentation, carbon leakage, and waning multilateral cooperation” were weakening collective global capacity to address shared challenges. He cautioned against “climate protectionism,” saying Cambodia believed “the future will be defined not by those who hesitate, but by those who act.”

The Permanent Deputy Prime Minister outlined eight key recommendations to strengthen global sustainability efforts, including simplifying access to climate finance, lowering borrowing costs for green projects, promoting technology transfer, avoiding green protectionism, and fostering regional cooperation in finance, trade, and technology.

He said that under the leadership of Senate President Hun Sen and Mr Hun Manet, Cambodia is committed to building a green and resilient economy through the Pentagonal Strategy–Phase I.

Vissoth cited the country’s Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN), National Green Growth Roadmap (2021–2035), and Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan (2023–2028) as key frameworks aligning Cambodia’s development with climate resilience and sustainable competitiveness.

He also called for stronger collaboration to accelerate clean energy, green finance, and innovation. “No single country can achieve sustainability alone. We need partnerships—across governments, businesses, academia, and communities,” he said.

During the event, Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth delivered the keynote address on Spotlight Intervention I: Cambodia’s Climate Action and Its Contribution to Sustainability, followed by Plenary Session I: Advancing Sustainability, Accelerating Climate Action—Solutions for the Planet.

Later in the day, Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea delivered a keynote address titled “Cambodia – Open for Green Business,” underscoring the Kingdom’s growing opportunities for green investment and sustainable enterprises.

Meanwhile, Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), opened Plenary Session II: Enhancing Circularity and ESGs—Challenges and Opportunities in the Circular Economy, which focused on strengthening circular economy frameworks and addressing environmental, social, and governance challenges.

The third plenary, Spotlight Intervention III: Cambodia’s Energy Transition Toward a Net-Zero Future, opened by Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, centred on renewable energy development, green financing, carbon credit markets, and innovation in sustainable technologies.

Running alongside the summit was a special exhibition showcasing sustainable solutions, eco-innovation, and green technologies from government ministries, development partners, private enterprises, associations, and international organisations. The exhibition highlighted Cambodia’s growing leadership in environmental management and natural resource conservation.

Now in its third edition, the summit continues to serve as a global platform for cooperation and dialogue among policymakers, innovators, and investors.

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