Cambodian NGOs Set Out Climate Priorities in Run-up to COP31

As Cambodia prepares to join this November's 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), the country is pressing for climate finance that is easier to obtain and more reliable, greater backing for adaptation and resilience, and a fair transition that leaves nobody behind.

On 23 September, the NGO Forum on Cambodia (NGOF) teamed up with Oxfam to host a national preparatory consultation in Phnom Penh. The gathering drew roughly 80 people representing government bodies, civil society groups, local communities, people with disabilities, indigenous populations, youth organisations, universities, the private sector, UN agencies and development partners.

According to a joint statement, the event aimed to shape a unified, evidence-driven stance for Cambodia ahead of COP31, which runs from 9 to 20 November in Antalya, Turkiye. Those attending stressed that global climate talks need to translate into tangible help for developing nations grappling with worsening climate effects, while safeguarding people's livelihoods, food supplies and economic growth.

Concerns over LDC graduation

Much of the discussion centred on Cambodia's approaching exit from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the rollout of its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), and the importance of continuing to receive concessional climate finance and technical assistance throughout that shift.

"Local multi-stakeholder led climate actions is one of key approaches for sustainably coping climate change, so that finance and other resources should be given to the local communities with no obstacles, or pre-requisites," said Soeung Saroeun, executive director of the NGOF. "I hope that our voices are heard and taken into account by global leaders, especially emitter countries," he added.

Phean Sophoan, national director of Oxfam in Cambodia, argued that the country's climate goals need to be backed by international funding. She pointed out that Cambodia has pledged bold action, aiming to cut emissions by 55% by 2035 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

"However, an equitable global climate regime cannot demand higher ambition from vulnerable nations such as Cambodia while withdrawing concessional support upon LDC graduation. COP31 must deliver grant-based, predictable, and debt-resilient finance to ensure that graduation marks a milestone of sustainable development, not an increase in climate vulnerability," she said.

Voices from the frontlines

Community members spoke about how shifting weather is hurting rural livelihoods and food security. "Our families depend on the rain, our crops and the fish in our rivers, but unpredictable weather is destroying harvests and pushing communities deeper into debt," said Yem Channy, a participant from Stung Treng province. "We need greater support for local adaptation efforts, protection of natural resources and meaningful climate finance that reaches communities on the frontlines of the crisis," she added.

The consultation ranged across climate finance, adaptation and mitigation, loss and damage, NDC 3.0 implementation, a fair energy transition, nature-based solutions, carbon markets, climate-resilient agriculture and food systems, green investment and gender-responsive climate policy.

Key recommendations

• Safeguard access to climate finance for countries moving out of LDC status
• Boost grant-based funding for adaptation
• Improve direct access to the Loss and Damage Fund
• Ensure global adaptation frameworks acknowledge the value of freshwater ecosystems, including the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Basin