Youth to Represent Cambodia with Climate Solutions at COP29
With COP29 approaching, Cambodian youth are stepping up their climate advocacy, presenting the Cambodia Youth Statement on Climate Change and leading discussions at key global and local climate events.
11 November 2024, Phnom Penh, Cambodia—As COP29 begins today, Cambodia’s youth are ready to showcase their committed climate advocacy at the global event in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. Endorsed by the Ministry of Environment and backed by UNICEF and UNDP, their efforts highlight the urgent need for climate action that centres on children’s well-being.
The climate crisis hits children the hardest. Cambodia ranks 46th out of 163 countries in the global Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI), exposing the severe impact on its youth. Nearly 2.3 million children—43 per cent of the child population—face extreme heat stress, while 2.2 million are at risk of riverine flooding, especially in rural areas near Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River. These climate threats endanger children’s health, education, and safety, putting their future at risk.
Momentum for youth-led climate advocacy surged in Cambodia with the 2024 Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) in Phnom Penh. Over 300 youth from all 24 provinces gathered to draft the Cambodia Youth Statement on Climate Change 2024, emphasizing energy transition, sustainable agriculture, urban sustainability, and climate finance. Endorsed by the Ministry of Environment, the statement pushes for renewable energy projects and reforestation efforts, strengthening the voice and credibility of Cambodian youth on national and global platforms.
“The phenomenal support we received at LCOY demonstrated the strength and determination of our youth,” said Pengsan Huon, leader of the Youth Council for Climate Action (YCCA).
This recognition from the Ministry is significant as it positions Cambodian youth as trusted voices influencing policy discussions at COP29.
These findings fuel the determination of youth leaders to push for stronger climate policies. After LCOY 2024, the youth delegation pushed for stronger climate policies at the Cambodia Climate Change Summit (CCCS24) held in Sihanoukville in October. They led discussions on climate resilience and presented key insights to shape policy. Youth leader Ut Chantarapeach highlighted, “The Ministry of Environment welcomed our statement and encouraged us to include more of Cambodia’s history, culture, and focus on biodiversity, like tree planting and protecting unique species.”
UNICEF, in partnership with UNDP and Green Shoots, has equipped these youth advocates with training, resources, and platforms to amplify their voices globally. Green Shoots, a local agency with many YCCA members, was instrumental in organising LCOY and equipping the youth to take the stage at the Youth-led Climate Forum at COP29. UNICEF has empowered Cambodian youth to lead climate action by providing financial and technical support. This backing has allowed groups like the Youth Council for Climate Action (YCCA) to organise impactful events and engage in meaningful dialogues with policymakers. This approach ensures that the voices of youth, including those from marginalised communities, are heard and valued.
With the official launch of the subnational CCRI later this month, UNICEF reinforces the importance of prioritising children in climate response strategies. Cambodia’s youth are now set to present their Youth Statement at COP29, advocating for solutions such as community-led renewable energy projects and biodiversity conservation.
Stay tuned for updates as Cambodia’s young leaders step onto the global stage, championing a sustainable future for every child.
Click here for more information on 'Cambodia Youth Statement on Climate Change 2024'
