Phnom penh: The 3rd annual 2025 World Green and Sustainability Summit kicked off today in Phnom Penh, discussing and sharing initiatives on climate change, climate actions, sustainable investment, green finance, and green growth. The opening ceremony of the summit was presided over by H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, serving as the high representative of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Techo Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the summit began with welcoming remarks by Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, President of KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and Vice Chair of UN ESCAP Sustainable Business Network. H.E. Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), delivered a special address on the Asia-Pacific Green Deal – The Way Forward.
Held under the theme of Shaping the Future of Sustainability and Building a Sustainable World, the Summit aims to support the United Nations 2030 Agenda and to uphold the 4Ps principles: Planet, People, Prosperity, and Partnership. The 2025 World Green and Sustainability Summit, the third edition of an annual series, aims to bring together government, business, academic, and think tank leaders to advance and promote green growth for a sustainable, more inclusive, and cleaner world.
The summit takes place at a time of shifting global leadership in sustainability. As many countries grapple with internal distractions and political inertia, China has stepped up its climate diplomacy and green innovation leadership, notably through its Belt and Road green finance commitments, EV scale-up, and massive investment in renewable energy. It provides a rare opportunity to engage with the regions and actors shaping the future of sustainability, rather than those slowing it down.
The Summit will also provide participants with knowledge, insights, and tools to scale up sustainability practices and enhance public-private and people partnerships to build a more sustainable future. This initiative aims to speed up global solutions and partnerships between the public and private sectors to create a greener and more sustainable trade and economy.
As part of the endeavor for a green and sustainable economy, the Royal Government of Cambodia is actively advancing its sustainable development agenda through green growth strategies and policies. The Pentagonal Strategy provides a roadmap for sustainable and resilient economic development. Green business practices play a crucial role in Cambodia’s shift towards a more sustainable and inclusive economy, as adopting sustainable practices benefits not only the environment but also long-term competitiveness and economic resilience.
The world-class event provides a high-level dialogue platform, a policy incubator and exchange, a solution hub for sustainability projects, and networking opportunities with policymakers, investors, and industry leaders. The summit was hosted by Cambodia’s Trade Policy Advisory Board and jointly organized by the Economic Society of Cambodia, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, World Green Organisation, ASEAN Economic Club, World Digital Chamber, and ASEAN Business Club.