• H.E. San Vanty, Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment,
• H.E. Sum Thy, Director General of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Environment,
• Distinguished Representatives from Line Ministries, Members of the Climate Change Technical Working Group,
• Representatives of Development Partners, UN Agencies, NGOs, Civil Society, Academia, Private Sector, Indigenous Peoples, and Youth Organizations,
• Distinguished Guests.

Good morning, Chum reap sour,

We have reached together a crucial milestone in the development of Cambodia's third Nationally Determined Contribution, known for short as NDC 3.0. Following the Inception Workshop in January and the follow-up work by line ministries with support from development partners and the UN over the past months, we gather here to review and discuss initial findings and recommendations that will shape Cambodia's updated climate agenda and the corresponding commitments under the Paris Agreement. I thank the Ministry of Environment for organizing this timely event, thanking you all for your participation and invaluable contributions so far.

Our objective is, thus, to collaboratively refine the recommended measures for ensuring the submission of a robust and actionable NDC3.0 by July 2025 that is rooted in principles of just transition, inclusion and economic growth.

Excellencies and distinguished participants,

As you know, the NDC3.0 process comes at a critical juncture. The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, yet, the world the reality is falling short of meeting the 1.5-degree Celsius target.

For climate vulnerable countries like Cambodia, which face significant threats from rising temperatures and extreme weather events, climate action is a national necessity. This NDC3.0 represents a vital opportunity to chart a course towards a more resilient, low-carbon future aligned with national development priorities.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has committed to preparing an NDC3.0 that is ambitious, realistic, and inclusive. UNDP, along with other UN agencies and development partners, is privileged to support this effort. Our support leverages joint expertise and resources to help Cambodia define national development pathways that unlock investment and promote a just transition.

As technical lead, UNDP is connecting climate action with broader development goals, ensuring that efforts like this NDC update contribute effectively to achieving the SDGs and Cambodia's long-term vision for sustainable growth and carbon neutrality.

Excellencies, distinguished participants,

This two-day workshop is critical as it provides a platform for in-depth sectoral discussions and collaborative work to refine the proposed sectoral NDC measures. It is designed as an inclusive process that will incorporate inputs from the wide array of stakeholders present here today for developing an NDC 3.0 that reflects a true whole-of-society approach.

Let us seize this opportunity to engage actively, share expertise, and increase the climate agenda’s ambition while ensuring investment viability and inclusivity of the NDCs. 
I wish you fruitful deliberations and look forward to the outcome.

Thank you, Som Arkun.