Participants of the 28th Annual Meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion Working Group on Environment held on September 12 in Phnom Penh. Environment ministry
The main agenda of the 6th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Environment Ministers’ Meeting (EMM-6), being hosted by Cambodia from September 10-13, focuses on accelerating climate change response actions and promoting environmental sustainability.
One of the primary goals of the meeting is to secure an agreement on a strategic framework aimed at accelerating these efforts across the GMS by 2030, noted Pak Sokharavuth, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Environment, during the opening of the 28th Annual Meeting of the GMS Working Group on Environment (WGE) today, September 12.
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Sokharavuth emphasised that since the establishment of the Core Environment Programme by GMS countries in 2006, the WGE has been instrumental in leading collaborative efforts to protect and enhance the region's natural environment.
He said this year’s meeting is primarily focused on intensifying efforts to address global warming and ensure a sustainable environment.
“We are at a critical juncture where the decisions we make today will have lasting impacts on the environment and the quality of life for future generations. It is vital that we approach these discussions with urgency and determination to achieve concrete, effective results,” he said.
According to the ministry, the meeting was attended by over 200 participants, including national and international experts from GMS member countries, inter-ministerial working groups, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders.
A key discussion at today’s meeting centred around the Phnom Penh Joint Statement on Prevention of Plastic Pollution in the GMS.
Ministry spokesman Khvay Atitya explained that the statement underscores key actions to reduce plastic waste, curb plastic pollution and promote a circular economy.
“The member countries of the GMS are committed to working together to eliminate single-use plastics and improve environmental management through education and raise public awareness in the region,” he said.
Sokharavuth highlighted that rising plastic pollution is threatening rivers, oceans and ecosystems, impacting the livelihoods of millions.
“By agreeing to this joint statement, we reaffirm our collective commitment to addressing this issue thoughtfully and promoting solutions that support the circular economy. Through collaboration, we can reduce plastic waste, improve waste management and protect our vital waterways,” he said.
He further noted that the agreement reinforces the importance of cross-border cooperation to safeguard the environment, strengthen resilience and ensure that the benefits of sustainable development are shared by all.
Additionally, the statement outlines actions that member countries must undertake together to tackle key issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable resource management.
