Cambodian Youth Come Together to Shape National Climate Commitments at the Local Conference of Youth 2025

PHNOM PENH, 3 June 2025 – Over 250 young climate leaders, government officials, policymakers, and development partners gathered today at the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) 2025 to amplify youth voices in Cambodia’s climate agenda and shape the country's future commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0.

The Royal Government of Cambodia will submit its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC3.0) in July 2025, aiming for greater ambition, acceleration and inclusivity to reduce the Greenhouse Gas emission.  This conference offers young people an opportunity to help shape the document and share their vision for Cambodia’s climate future. Their contributions will be included in the official youth statement to the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)—and reflected in the global youth statement ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

“The voices of young people are essential in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for Cambodia. This conference is more than a platform for dialogue--it empowers youth to actively contribute meaningfully to our national climate agenda. As we work toward updating NDC 3.0, the ideas and energy of young Cambodians will play a central role in crafting inclusive and impactful climate solutions that safeguard our future.” said His Excellency Chuop Paris, Secretary of State of Ministry of Environment, at the LCOY 2025 in Phnom Penh.

Supported by the Ministry of Environment, UNICEF, UNDP, and 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.

"Through LCOY, I realized that true participation is more than just attending. It's about embodying the spirit of a messenger who inspires, a protector who defends, and a changer who acts, all for a sustainable Cambodia.”, said Mr. Sithan Silida, LCOY 2023 and COP 29 Delegate. ​

Ms. Alissar CHAKER, UNDP Cambodia Resident Representative, said: “While the current NDCs acknowledge the critical role of youth in climate action, they lack concrete responsibilities and mechanisms for tracking youth engagement beyond volunteerism. As part of its support to transition youth engagement from understanding to active participation, UNDP is implementing a Roadmap for Youth Engagement in NDC 3.0 to strengthen Cambodia’s climate youth-led alliance, leverage and develop youth expertise to define concrete actions and mechanisms for implementing and monitoring youth engagement in the NDC 3.0. As such, I have great expectations for LCOY 2025 as a critical space for getting youth actively involved in shaping and driving climate action in Cambodia.” 

According to Cambodia’s Children’s Climate Risk Index 2024, nearly two million children—more than one-third of the country’s youth— live in areas of high or very high climate risk, particularly in rural areas.  The effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, increased floods, droughts, and erratic weather patterns, are already impacting education, health, and livelihoods.

“The climate crisis is a child rights crisis. With nearly two-thirds of Cambodia’s population under the age of 30, youth leadership must be embedded at every level of climate governance,” said Dr. Anirban Chatterjee, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Cambodia. “Children and young people may not have caused the climate crisis, but they are among the first to feel its effects. They are also leading the way in finding solutions. Their innovation, determination, and courage are driving real change. UNICEF is proud to stand with them in building a healthier and more sustainable Cambodia.”

The event featured youth-led discussions, policy workshops, and sessions on green innovation and community-based climate action. The conference will culminate in the presentation of the Cambodian Youth Statement on Climate Action—a youth developed set of recommendations and priorities to inform national climate policy, particularly in the lead-up to COP30 and the finalisation of Cambodia’s NDC 3.0, which embody efforts to reduce national emissions.

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For more information, please contact:

Ministry of Environment

H.E Sum Thy, Director General of Policy and Strategy, MoE

Tel: +855 16 907 764

Email: [email protected]