Vietnam represented at GMS Environment Ministers' Meeting in Cambodia

As part of his opening address, Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth said that the meeting marks a significant step forward in current efforts to ensure a green, clean, and sustainable future for GMS countries, adding that regional co-operation can be viewed as key to addressing environmental challenges.

It provides a platform in which parties can enhance  partnerships, share knowledge, co-ordinate efforts to address urgent issues, and reaffirm their commitment to regional ties to achieve a greener and more sustainable future, Minister Sophalleth said.

Representatives from GMS countries discussed and adopted an environmental strategy co-operation framework towards 2030, which focuses on strengthening  climate and disaster resilience for communities and ecosystems; supporting a fair and inclusive low-carbon transition; promoting a circular and green economy; strengthening pollution control measures; and implementing nature-based solutions to boost biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and improve livelihoods.

The meeting also endorsed the Phnom Penh Joint Statement on plastic pollution control in the GMS, in which Cambodia and GMS countries reaffirmed their commitment to addressing plastic pollution whilst seeking to promote solutions to support the development of circular economy through joint actions, including reducing plastic waste, improving waste management, and protecting vital waterways, among others.