Few may realise the significant push that Cambodia made for climate-conscious sports practices during the 32nd SEA Games in 2023.

Spearheading this effort was Pañathun Jayson Thong, a sports diplomat at the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and one of the Kingdom’s key figures in integrating climate action into sports.

Thong’s interest in climate action developed during his postgraduate studies in international relations.

In 2022, while working for the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia, Thong said, he saw an opportunity to merge his passion for climate change and sustainability with his career in sports management.

The timing was perfect as the NOCC had just signed onto the UN Framework on Climate Change, which included the Sports for Climate Action initiative. As a signatory, Thong was tasked with leading these efforts within the committee.

Pañathun Jayson Thong, a Sports Diplomat at the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and a key leader in integrating climate action into sports. Yousos Abdoulrashim

“Ahead of the 2023 SEA Games, we used the event to launch climate sustainability initiatives, raising awareness about climate change and its importance,” said Thong.

Climate action is a global issue and certainly not limited to developed or developing countries. It affects everyone, and everyone must contribute to mitigating its impacts.

However, in developing countries, the economic challenge of switching to eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable packaging can be significant when cheaper options like plastic are more accessible.

“That was when I truly understood and embraced the connection between sports and climate change,” Thong, also a UN youth ambassador, told The Post.

One of the standout projects was the introduction of electric bikes, sponsored by Voltra Company Limited.

He said through their donation and sponsorship of around 50 electric bikes in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap – the two main hubs for sports venues during the games – staff members and technical officials were able to use these bikes for their work during the event.

While working for the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia, Thong said, he saw an opportunity to merge his passion for climate change and sustainability with his career in sports management. Supplied

“Even my department relied on these bikes to move between venues, cutting our carbon footprint significantly,” Thong noted.

While Cambodia’s economic constraints made ambitious sustainability goals difficult, efforts were made to minimise environmental impact. However, challenges arose in areas like waste management.

Thong explained that combining climate and culture into one committee made it difficult to focus on climate objectives.

He suggested that a separate committee for climate and sustainability would have helped raise awareness and engage private partners more effectively.

During the SEA Games, his main role was in the International Relations Committee, although he also supported the culture and climate committee.

He noted that they lacked the time and resources to fully prioritise sustainability. Thong emphasised that while activities like trash cleanups and tree planting are valuable, more comprehensive efforts are needed.

“One of our biggest missed opportunities was water distribution,” Thong admitted.

Unlike the Paris Olympics, where refill stations were widely available, Cambodia depended on single-use plastic water bottles, leading to substantial waste.

Thong recently led Cambodian athletes to the Paris Olympics and observed key sustainability efforts there.

The Athletes’ Village had no air conditioning to cut energy use, while dining halls prioritised plant-based meals to lower carbon footprints. These measures, he noted, could serve as inspiration for future Cambodian sporting events.

“We have the 33rd SEA Games in to look forward to in Thailand this December. It will be interesting to be able to learn from our friends and partners regionally, to see what they're doing to really tackle these climate challenges,” said Thong.