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Climate change

UNICEF Ambassador Elodie Gossuin Visits Cambodia to Highlight Climate Change Impact on Children

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

French actress and UNICEF ambassador Elodie Gossuin recently travelled to Cambodia to witness the devastating impact of climate change on children and to highlight innovative solutions led by UNICEF and its partners. During her visit to the Tonle Sap region and Siem Reap province, Gossuin met children and families living on the frontlines of climate disruption, observed climate-resilient schools and water supply systems, and engaged with families receiving support through the Family Package social protection system.

Key Takeaways:

  • Elodie Gossuin, a UNICEF France ambassador, visited Cambodia to witness the impact of climate change on children and to highlight climate-smart solutions led by UNICEF and its partners.
  • Cambodia is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with nearly two million children (one-third of the country's child population) living in areas exposed to extreme weather and environmental threats.
  • According to UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI), Cambodia ranks 46 out of 163 countries globally for high climate risk.
  • Gossuin visited a climate-resilient school in Siem Reap equipped with solar panels and flood-resistant WASH facilities, offering life skills education with an environmental focus.
  • She also met families in Chi Kreng district, where UNICEF is developing climate-resilient water supply systems and a floating health centre on the Tonle Sap Lake.
  • Gossuin engaged with families supported by the Family Package, a nationwide social protection system that provides essential services, including scholarships, prenatal care, and cash assistance.
  • She learned about awareness and training programmes led by UNICEF and partners to promote positive discipline, prevent violence, and build climate awareness.
  • The UNICEF statement emphasized that children are the least responsible for climate change, yet they suffer the most, resulting in the need for climate-resilient systems to secure their future.
  • Gossuin expressed her commitment to championing children's rights and fighting for climate action, citing inspiring stories of community action and practical solutions to reduce risk and protect the environment.

Statistics:

  • Nearly two million children (one-third of the country's child population) live in areas regularly exposed to extreme weather and environmental threats in Cambodia.
  • Cambodia ranks 46 out of 163 countries globally for high climate risk, according to UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI).
  • The Family Package social protection system supports over [insert number] families in Cambodia, providing essential services such as scholarships, prenatal care, and cash assistance.
  • Over [insert number] children received scholarships through the Family Package during Elodie Gossuin's visit.
  • UNICEF has developed climate-resilient water supply systems and a floating health centre on the Tonle Sap Lake to support families in Chi Kreng district.

Sources:

  • UNICEF statement, no date
  • Interview with Marie-Pierre Spinosi, head of public relations and events at UNICEF France, no date
  • Statement from Will Parks, UNICEF representative in Cambodia, no date
  • UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI) report, no date

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