August 12, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia officially submitted its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on August 8, in a move described as underscoring the nation’s strong commitment to global climate action and the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth explained that the new NDC 3.0 outlines enhanced national targets, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 55%, which is equivalent to approximately 73.7 Mt CO2e by 2035, under a conditional scenario.
This includes transport, manufacturing and construction, as well as industrial processes and product use, and agriculture, forestry and other land use (FOLU), and the waste sector.
“This ambitious plan represents a significant step towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future for the Kingdom. It details sectoral strategies and implementation measures for both emissions reduction and climate adaptation,” he said.
On August 11, the ministry highlighted how the 158-page NDC 3.0 aims to strengthen resilience across vulnerable sectors.
This includes human health, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), infrastructure, livelihoods and ecosystems, disaster and climate risk management, social protection, social services and child protection, Food systems, and air quality.
It outlines a total of 163 measures, which are endorsed by the Line Ministries. They comprise 49 mitigation, 75 adaptation and 39 enabling measures, requiring a total estimated cost of USD $32.22 billion for the period 2026–2035.
The country’s commitment aligns with the global effort to limit warming to below 2°C, and to pursue the more ambitious target of 1.5°C.
The minister acknowledged that the successful implementation of NDC 3.0 depends on continued international collaboration and the means of support received.
“We therefore call upon our global partners to scale up support through climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building, in line with the Paris Agreement,” he said.
He noted that Cambodia stands ready to contribute to the global stocktake and to work hand-in-hand with all parties to the UNFCCC to ensure that collective efforts lead to a just and sustainable future for all.
The submission was made ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC, which will be held in Brazil this November.