Officials from Cambodia's Ministry of Environment took centre stage this week at a major environmental summit. They co-chaired the 15th council meeting of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA).
The meeting, taking place over two days from July 26 to 27 in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, brought together leading figures in regional environmental policy.
The meeting's co-chair, Van Monineath, heads the General Department of Policy and Strategy and the council of PEMSEA. According to a statement from the environment ministry, the forum attracted about 50 representatives. Attendees included delegates from non-member states, international partner organisations and various related institutions.
The key purpose of this event was to examine and approve progress reports from the 2023-24 plan and budget. Delegates also examined the sustainable plans of PEMSEA and strategies for monitoring and evaluating the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia Implementation Plan 2023-27. In an encouraging step, the meeting also agreed to extend the mandate of the executive director of PEMSEA.
Monineath took to the podium on several occasions during the summit. Notably, he delivered speeches marking the 30th anniversary of PEMSEA, a significant milestone in the region's environmental management. He also wrapped up a workshop on innovation competition designed to eliminate plastic pollution.
In his address, Monineath conveyed the position and commitment of Cambodia in tackling the crucial issues of global and regional plastic pollution.
"Cambodia recognises the urgency and necessity of tackling plastic pollution. We are fully committed to collaborating with international partners to find innovative and sustainable solutions to this pressing issue,” he said.
By articulating Cambodia's environmental commitment, Monineath underscored the significance of these regional partnerships. His remarks reaffirmed the crucial role that cooperation and innovative thinking will play in the future of East Asia's seas.
