Cambodia Civil Society Sets Out Priorities Ahead of COP31 Climate Talks

Cambodia is pushing for climate finance that is more predictable and easier to access, along with stronger assistance for adaptation and a fair transition that includes all communities, as it prepares for the 31st UN Climate Conference (COP31) in November.

The position was developed during a national preparatory consultation held in Phnom Penh on September 23, organized by the NGO Forum on Cambodia (NGOF) together with Oxfam. According to a joint press statement, the meeting aimed to build a unified, evidence-based national stance ahead of COP31, scheduled for November 9-20 in Antalya, Turkey.

Consultation brings together 80 stakeholders

About 80 participants took part in the consultation, representing government agencies, civil society, local communities, groups representing people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, youth organizations, academics, the private sector, UN agencies and development partners.

Attendees stressed that international climate negotiations must provide concrete assistance to developing nations that are already facing severe climate impacts, while also safeguarding livelihoods, food security and economic growth.

Focus on LDC graduation and climate pledges

Discussions placed particular emphasis on Cambodia's forthcoming graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and the rollout of its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). Participants said it is essential that Cambodia continues to have access to low-cost climate funding and technical assistance during this transition.

NGOF Executive Director Soeung Saroeun said locally led action involving multiple stakeholders is among the most effective ways to address climate change sustainably. He argued that funding and other resources should reach local communities directly, without unnecessary barriers or conditions, and expressed hope that major emitting nations and world leaders will listen to these voices.

Oxfam in Cambodia National Director Phean Sophoan said Cambodia's ambitious climate goals need to be backed by international financial support. She noted that Cambodia has pledged to cut emissions by 55% by 2035 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. It would be unfair, she said, for the global climate system to expect greater ambition from vulnerable countries like Cambodia while reducing concessional support after they graduate from LDC status. She called on COP31 to provide finance that is grant-based, predictable and does not create debt burdens, so that graduation becomes a step toward sustainable development rather than a source of increased vulnerability.

Communities on the front line

Community representatives spoke about how shifting weather is affecting rural life and food production.

Yem Channy, a participant from Stung Treng province, said families rely on rainfall, crops and river fisheries, but increasingly erratic weather is ruining harvests and driving households further into debt. She called for stronger support for local adaptation, better protection of natural resources and climate funding that actually reaches those most exposed to the crisis.

Key themes and recommendations

The consultation addressed a wide range of issues, including climate finance, adaptation and mitigation, loss and damage, implementation of NDC 3.0, a just energy transition, nature-based solutions, carbon markets, climate-resilient agriculture and food systems, green investment and gender-responsive climate action.

Organizers put forward several recommendations, including:

• maintaining access to climate finance for countries that are graduating from LDC status
• expanding grant-based funding for adaptation
• improving direct access to the Loss and Damage Fund
• ensuring that global adaptation frameworks fully recognize the role of freshwater ecosystems, particularly the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap Basin