AKP Phnom Penh, October 6, 2026 -- UNICEF has reaffirmed its active support for Cambodia’s efforts to promote a clean, green and sustainable environment through the Ministry of Environment’s Circular Strategy on Environment (2023-2028).

The newly appointed UNICEF Representative to Cambodia, Dr. Maha Damaj, made the remarks during a meeting with Minister of Environment H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth at the Ministry’s headquarters on Oct. 6.

Dr. Maha Damaj said UNICEF continues to support the Ministry’s implementation of the strategy, aimed at helping Cambodia achieve cleanliness, greenness and sustainability while addressing climate change.

H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s support in promoting environmental education and protection. He highlighted cooperation under the “Clean Cambodia” campaign, including the “Today, I Will Not Use Plastic Bags” initiative, which has involved about 15 million people, including school students, committing to avoid plastic bags for at least one day a week.

The Ministry has also introduced national and local campaigns to clean communities and areas along national roads. Over the past year, Cambodia has reduced plastic imports by 85 percent, according to the Minister.

The Ministry is also distributing rubbish bins to schools to raise awareness among children and young people about waste management, waste segregation and environmental hygiene.

Beyond cleanliness, Cambodia is strengthening cooperation with relevant partners to enforce regulations on natural protected areas and forest conservation, while supporting community livelihoods and reforestation to increase green cover and contribute to the country’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The meeting also discussed cooperation on environmental education, climate change awareness and improving livelihoods and resilience among communities in natural protected areas, particularly in response to challenges posed by the upcoming El Niño phenomenon.

H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth said Cambodia would continue expanding reforestation and strengthening partnerships to build resilience against the climate crisis.

At the upcoming COP31 in Turkey, Cambodia will continue advocating for equitable financial support to address global climate change, particularly for vulnerable and least developed countries.

By Sum Kosal