Cambodian Youth Come Together to Drive Climate Resilience and Strengthen National Climate Action at LCOY 2026

PHNOM PENH, 17 August 2026 – Over 200 young climate leaders, government officials, policymakers and development partners were gathering last weekend for the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Cambodia 2026, under the theme “Youth Driving Climate Resilience for a Sustainable Future.” The conference aims to strengthen meaningful youth participation in Cambodia’s climate agenda, support the implementation of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), and amplify young people’s voices in national, regional and global climate action.

LCOY Cambodia 2026 is part of the global Local Conference of Youth movement, coordinated by YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). With support from the Ministry of Environment, UNICEF, UNDP and the implementation effort from the Youth Council for Climate Action, the conference provides a national platform for Cambodian youth to share their perspectives, propose innovative solutions and actively contribute to climate action.

Building on the momentum of previous LCOY conferences, LCOY 2026 places a stronger emphasis on youth-led policy recommendations, innovation output and connecting local climate challenges with national and international climate processes. The conference is designed to move from dialogue towards practical recommendations and action, while providing a platform for young people to showcase initiatives addressing climate and environmental challenges.

The conference brought together youth perspectives across six thematic areas: climate governance and sustainable development; education on youth empowerment, climate action and adaptation; sustainable energy transition; health and WASH; biodiversity protection and conservation, including ecotourism; and economic security and climate resilience. Through thematic discussions and breakout sessions, participants will examine climate priorities and develop ideas and policy recommendations that will contribute to the National Youth Statement.

The National Youth Statement builds on the priorities raised by Cambodian youth through previous LCOY processes. At LCOY 2025, young people called for accelerated climate action and stronger youth participation in climate policy, highlighting priorities including climate-resilient agriculture, disaster preparedness, education, clean energy, Health and WASH, while emphasizing the importance of inclusive climate action that responds to the needs of vulnerable groups.

Her Excellency Khimphun Kesor, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment (MoE), stated that, “under the wise leadership of His Excellency Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, Cambodia has advanced the development and implementation of key national policy frameworks, including the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028, the second phase of the Cambodia Climate Change Strategic Plan 2024-2033, Cambodia’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), and the Environmental Diplomacy Strategy 2026-2030.”

The Ministry of Environment emphasized the important role of the Local Conference of Youth Cambodia (LCOY) as a platform for advancing youth engagement in climate action in Cambodia. Building on this vision, she noted that the MoE has supported the organization of the LCOY consecutively from 2023 to 2025 and remains firmly committed to promoting meaningful youth engagement and participation in climate action and environmental initiatives, in line with national priorities and climate change policy frameworks.

On behalf of the Ministry of Environment, Her Excellency stated, “I am confident that the 4^th Local Conference of Youth Cambodia (LCOY) will contribute significantly to strengthening the capacity of Cambodian youth and enhancing their meaningful role in climate actions, in support of Cambodia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. It will also foster dialogue and policy discussions on climate change responses at both the national and global levels.”

Mr. Shifaz Ahmed, Environmental Programme Specialist, UNDP Cambodia, highlighted the progress made since the first LCOY Cambodia in 2023: “Over the years, we’ve seen the conference transform from a small gathering of engaged climate leaders into an important platform for all youth to learn about the science and policy of climate change, express their views, develop solutions and contribute to national climate decision-making as well as a more systemic pathway to represent Cambodia in regional and global climate governance. UNDP is proud to partner with young people and our partners in bringing this conference together and supporting youth to shape Cambodia’s climate future.”

For UNICEF, climate action is about protecting children’s rights and ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe, healthy and sustainable environment. Climate change can affect children’s access to safe water and sanitation, health, education and other essential services, while the most vulnerable children and young people can face greater risks.

“Young people need to be active participants in shaping climate action. Meaningful participation means listening to young people, taking their recommendations seriously, and working with them to turn those recommendations into action. UNICEF is proud to support this process and to stand with young people as they contribute to a more climate-resilient Cambodia,” said Dr. Anirban Chatterjee, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Cambodia. 

The event also featured an exhibition showcasing youth-led climate initiatives, alongside policy presentations, an intergenerational dialogue and thematic sessions that provide opportunities for young people to exchange experiences, build partnerships and develop practical solutions.

Participants reviewed and consolidated the Cambodia Youth Statement on Climate Action, bringing together priorities and recommendations from the conference. The statement will be presented to the Ministry of Environment and relevant stakeholders, with the aim of strengthening pathways for youth recommendations to inform national climate discussions and implementation processes. It will also support Cambodian youth engagement in regional and global climate processes, including Global Conference of Children and Youth (COY21) and COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it. LCOY Cambodia has become an important platform where young people come together each year to learn, collaborate, and contribute their ideas to Cambodia's climate journey. We hope this platform will continue to grow, ensuring that youth voices remain an integral part of climate dialogue and decision-making at both the national and global levels”, said Ms. Ut Chantarapeach, Executive Director of the Youth Council for Climate Action.

LCOY Cambodia 2026 seeks to strengthen youth capacity, visibility and meaningful participation in climate action, while building stronger connections between youth-led initiatives, national climate policy and global climate processes. Through continued collaboration among youth, government, development partners and other stakeholders, the conference aims to help ensure that young people’s perspectives contribute to a more climate-resilient and sustainable future for Cambodia.

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For more information, please contact:

Ministry of Environment 

• Mr. Long Sona, Director of Department of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment
• Tel: +855 12 256 869
• Email: [email protected]
   

About UNDP

UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network advocating for change and connecting governments, private sector and civil society to knowledge, experience, and resources to end the injustice of poverty and inequality, accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen good governance and peace, and promote nature-based solutions and climate resilience. Present in over 170 countries and territories, we assist nations to implement their solutions for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the people, the planet, and their prosperity. Learn more at https://www.undp.org/cambodia or follow us at @UNDPCambodia. 

Contact: Ms. Chhunmuoy Ath, Communications Analyst, UNDP Cambodia at [email protected] 

About LCOY

The Youth Council for Climate Action (YCCA) is a youth-led organization dedicated to empowering young people to lead climate action, strengthen climate literacy, and promote meaningful youth participation in environmental policy and sustainable development. Through capacity building, engagement, and partnerships, YCCA provides a platform for young people to contribute to local, national, regional and global climate dialogue while advancing a more resilient and sustainable Cambodia.

For more information, please contact:   

• Ms. Ut Chantarapeach 
• Executive Director, Youth Council for Climate Action  
• Tel: +855963634260, Email: [email protected]