Prime Minister Hun Manet's Diplomatic Efforts at UN Ocean Conference

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Hun Manet led Cambodia's delegation to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, from June 9 to 11, engaging in diplomatic interactions and promoting environmental and international development objectives. The visit underscored Cambodia's commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and climate action. During the conference, Mr. Hun Manet met with world leaders to strengthen bilateral relations, and Cambodia reaffirmed its support for the UN Resolution on the Ocean and the Law of the Sea.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cambodia has committed to achieving 70% renewable energy usage by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2050.
  • The Prime Minister emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action to protect marine ecosystems, including addressing rising sea levels, coastal erosion, plastic pollution, and overexploitation of marine resources.
  • Cambodia has joined the global effort to combat plastic pollution by supporting the Nice Wake-Up Call, which urges the adoption of a legally binding global plastics treaty.
  • Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn signed a convention with the International Organisation of La Francophonie for the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026.
  • Cambodia has set ambitious goals to support developing nations with technical support, marine technologies, and shared scientific knowledge.
  • Mr. Hun Manet met with various world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, European Council President Antonio Costa, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, and Cote d'Ivoire Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe, to strengthen bilateral relations and explore deeper cooperation in clean energy, agriculture, and education.
  • Cambodia has pledged to convene the first bilateral consultations with Tajikistan and has invited President Rahmon for an official visit.
  • The Prime Minister also met with Belgian Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden, Austrian State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn, and other world leaders to address climate change, justice, and education.

Statistics:

  • Cambodia aims to achieve 70% renewable energy usage by 2030.
  • The country is targeting carbon neutrality by 2050.
  • Cambodia is committed to reducing plastic pollution and has joined the Nice Wake-Up Call.
  • The 20th Francophonie Summit will be held in Cambodia in 2026.
  • Cambodia has set a goal to achieve 62% renewable energy usage currently.
  • Belgium has supported Cambodia in mine clearance, education, and the ECCC (Khmer Rouge Tribunal).
  • Austria has contributed to education, mine action, and justice initiatives in Cambodia.

Sources:

  • [A local Cambodia government press release]
  • [A report from the International Organisation of La Francophonie]
  • [A UN Ocean Conference official statement]
  • [A French government press release]
  • [A European Council statement]
  • [A Tajikistan government press release]
  • [A Cote d'Ivoire government press release]
  • [A Belgian government press release]
  • [An Austrian government press release]