(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Delegate Minister Jean François Tan said that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed leaders from over 150 countries at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, delivering a passionate call for global action to protect the world’s oceans.

The delegate minister spoke on Thursday (Jun. 12) in a press conference on the outcomes of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s participation in the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

Samdech Thipadei’s appeal was made in his national statement addressing at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, held under the theme: "Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean," on 9 June 2025, in Nice, France.

Delegate Minister Jean François Tan emphasised that Cambodia has already made concrete efforts over the years to safeguard its marine resources. Between 2017 and 2030, the Royal Government has committed a dedicated budget for the conservation of maritime areas, combating illegal fishing, and promoting the sustainable use of marine resources. Notably, a marine protected area has been established around Koh Rong, and Cambodia continues to take an active role in regional marine biodiversity cooperation.

The delegate minister quoted the speech from Samdech Thipadei, "The ocean has no voice. It relies on us! What we do today will determine whether the ocean can still feed and protect us tomorrow, or become the vast, silent shipwreck of our inaction. Cambodia is ready to act, to cooperate, to protect. Cambodia calls for bold, united, and resolute action for the ocean, for our people and for generations to come.”

At that time, Prime Minister Hun Manet also highlighted Cambodia’s Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028, which focuses on three fundamental pillars: Clean, Green, and Sustainable.

The delegate minister further noted the importance of the ocean to Cambodia, where the government organizes an annual Sea Festival to promote awareness of the coastal environment, tourism, culture, and traditions of coastal communities.

He added that Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated the ocean as shared treasure, the blue heart of the planet. Cambodia is committed to strengthening its national capacity to protect the ocean and made it clear that Cambodia has not waited for UNOC1, UNOC2, or UNOC3. Cambodia has already begun safeguarding its marine territory.

“For Samdech Thipadei, the time for the international community to act is now. We must not continue to turn a blind eye. We must not allow the ocean to perish. On the contrary, we must stand together to protect our oceans,” concluded Delegate Minister Jean-François Tan.
=FRESH NEWS