(Azerbaijan): Cambodia is entering “a new, promising era” driven by peace, political stability, sustainable urban development, and climate resilience, Say Sam Al, Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, said during the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Azerbaijan on Sunday (May 17).
Speaking on behalf of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Say Sam Al thanked Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat for co-hosting the global forum and highlighted Cambodia’s remarkable transformation from decades of conflict into a rapidly evolving nation dedicated to sustainable urban development, affordable housing, social welfare, and green growth initiatives.
He reflected on Cambodia’s turbulent history, including the impacts of war, the Viet Nam War, and the Khmer Rouge regime, which devastated cities and displaced communities. He credited former Prime Minister Hun Sen for leading national reconciliation and restoring peace and stability, laying the foundation for Cambodia’s long-term economic growth and development.
According to Say Sam Al, the current government is prioritizing economic diversification, workforce development, and improved living standards to ensure citizens have access to jobs, food security, education, and quality healthcare.
He said Cambodia is strengthening urban resilience and sustainability through improved infrastructure, spatial planning, digital investment, waste management, sanitation, transportation, and public security.
“We are enhancing resilience and sustainability in our cities, empowering local administrations, establishing sound budgeting practices, conducting effective spatial planning, strengthening partnerships, and investing in digital infrastructure,” said the minister.
He added that the government is also promoting affordable housing through inclusive mortgage schemes and expanding access to agricultural land and housing support for vulnerable communities.
Over the past decade, government initiatives have improved the lives of around 500,000 families and helped many transition out of informal settlements, with the long-term goal of eliminating informal settlement nationwide.
Beyond housing development, Cambodia is also addressing social challenges including drug abuse, public health concerns, debt reduction, and community well-being through public parks, cultural activities, education, and family-focused policies, Minister Say Sam Al underscored.
Despite progress, the minister warned that Cambodia continues to face challenges from shifting global dynamics, biodiversity loss, and climate change. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that the country became the first least developed country and the first ASEAN member to submit a long-term strategy for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
On the occasion, Say Sam Al said that Cambodia has also updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), expanded climate financing efforts, promoted renewable energy, introduced energy-efficiency policies, and enacted pro-environment investment laws aimed at greening the financial sector.
In addition, Cambodia laucnched the Green ASEAN Green Deal initiative and issued a joint climate statement in Phnom Penh, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and regional climate cooperation.
=FRESH NEWS
