Prime Minister Hun Manet has called upon all stakeholders, both public and private, to contribute directly or indirectly to disaster risk reduction in Cambodia.

He emphasised the need for such efforts to ensure resilience and sustainable development in the country.

Manet’s message came on the National Day for Disaster Management, October 13. He highlighted the growing challenges posed by climate change, which has led to global warming and adverse effects on the environment worldwide, resulting in natural disasters, loss of life, property damage, infrastructure disruption and severe socio-economic consequences in numerous nations.

“Cambodia is no exception to these changing climate conditions,” he stated.

“We have witnessed rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns and hazardous conditions during the rainy season, including strong winds, lightning and landslides. Additionally, events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, fires, traffic accidents, building collapses and other incidents have claimed lives and damaged communities,” he added.

Manet assured the public that the government is committed to taking all necessary measures to mitigate disaster risks.

He stressed that disaster management is a multifaceted, interrelated endeavor that affects nearly every aspect of the country’s socio-economic development.

“Regardless of the sector, institution or field, both public and private entities, as well as individuals, bear a responsibility to contribute to disaster risk reduction for sustainability and resilience,” he said.

Theng Savoeun, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmers Community (CCFC), acknowledged improvements in disaster management procedures in Cambodia but stressed the need for strengthening sub-national capacity, particularly at the local level.

“In order to effectively reduce disasters … we must enhance local-level human resource capacity, ensure rapid dissemination of information and be prepared to respond quickly. This readiness should encompass both human resources and materials for immediate disaster management, as well as plans for rehabilitation to improve the lives of the affected people,” he said.

Manet affirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising disaster management by integrating it with local development efforts to ensure the efficient allocation of resources at the sub-national level.

He also urged ministries, institutions and authorities at all levels to enhance existing mechanisms, policies, strategies, programs, plans and activities by integrating disaster management and climate change considerations to bolster economic, social, health and environmental resilience.