Environmental Diplomacy: Unveiling Initiatives and Commitments at COP-28 Bilateral Meeting December 9th, 2023

In attending the 28th Summit of the Parties (COP-28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, Aram, His Excellency Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, led the Cambodian delegation. During the bilateral meeting on the afternoon of December 9, 2023, with Ms. Juliette Biao, Director of the Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forestry, the aim was to receive a briefing on the work of the United Nations Forest Forum (UNFF) and discuss the anticipated outcomes of the upcoming UNFF19 meeting in New York, USA. The meeting also sought to explore opportunities for expanded cooperation, focusing particularly on reforestation and fundraising for forests.

Within this context, Minister Sophalleth highlighted the recent launch of the Environmental Chakra Strategy 2023-2028. This comprehensive strategy sets forth priorities, including the impactful plastic reduction campaign under the theme “Today I do not use plastic bags. Now,” garnering widespread support from teachers, students, factory workers, and a total participant population of 3.4 million.

Moreover, His Excellency underscored Cambodia’s steadfast commitment to natural resource management, citing initiatives such as the “Nursery 1 million trees per year” campaign. This initiative aims to inspire people, especially students, to actively participate in preserving the forest for the long-term benefit of all citizens. Additionally, he highlighted the Ministry’s dedication to translating existing policies into practice, implementing Article 6, and enforcing the law without exception for individuals committing crimes against natural resources.

Ms. Juliette Biao, Head of the Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forestry, lauded His Excellency’s proactive approach in launching these impactful campaigns. She expressed that the decision was wise, effectively inspiring the masses to pay attention and collaborate with the government in environmental protection. Ms. Biao voiced her support for the Ministry’s commitment to natural resource management and expressed interest in exploring further possibilities for cooperation.

Concluding the meeting, His Excellency emphasized the Ministry’s open stance, welcoming private sector development partners and other stakeholders keen on joining efforts to implement the Environmental Chakra Strategy. He particularly highlighted the invitation for collaboration to promote the Pentagon-Phase I strategy, with the ambitious goal of making Cambodia a carbon-neutral country by 2050.