Cambodia has called for an increase to the flow of climate finance and pledged its strongest commitment to responding to global climate change at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), being held from November 10-21 in Belém, Brazil.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth used his address at the conference to highlight how Cambodia and other developing countries are calling for scaled-up, predictable, affordable and accessible climate finance that truly reflects the scale of their shared challenge.
“Direct access to funds, simplified procedures and the mobilisation of private and innovative finance will be key to unlocking climate ambition at all levels,” he said.
He explained that Cambodia is scaling up nature-based solutions to respond to deforestation and other ecological challenges, by restoring degraded landscapes and supporting biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods, underlining that Cambodia welcomes the Tropical Forest Forever Facility to provide results-based financial support to Tropical Forest Countries.
Sophalleth noted that as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, Cambodia welcomes the operationalisation of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage and call for its swift capitalisation with needs-based, and grant-based financing.
He also highlighted that the political stability fostered by Senate president Hun Sen has laid the groundwork for the Kingdom’s sustainable development goals.
“In addition, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement by submitting its NDC 3.0 on August 8, 2025,” he said.
“This plan increases the country’s climate ambition, outlining a clear strategy to reduce GHG by up to 55% by 2035 compared to a business-as-usual scenario. Cambodia’s NDC 3.0 sets a clear pathway for low-carbon and climate-resilient development across key sectors, including energy, industry, agriculture, forestry and waste,” he added.
The minister reiterated that Cambodia remains deeply committed to working with all partners to advance mutual benefits for people, economies and ecosystems alike.
Negotiators, scientists and civil society organisations are gathered in Belém to discuss priority actions to tackle climate change. COP30 will focus on the efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national action plans (NDCs) and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP29, according to the UN.
