DUBAI: Cambodia joined a trailblazing alliance while attending the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) this week, pledging to transform global food systems to address the effects of climate change and global conflict on people’s access to food.

The Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation (ACF), made up of Brazil, Cambodia, Norway, Rwanda and Sierra Leone, is a coalition committed to urgently transform their – and the world’s – food and land use systems.

Alliance members agreed to develop a ‘gold standard’ in food system reform that addresses how food is produced, processed, distributed, consumed and disposed of. The ultimate goal is to create a blueprint for the future of food systems as other countries look to adapt to new climates.

Cambodia’s Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth, said, “Achieving food and nutrition security and addressing climate change can only be done if food systems are transformed. Cambodia is honored to be a founding member of the Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation, and we look forward to working with others to demonstrate what is possible.”

Cambodia also received an invitation to deliver a keynote address at the next summit on Accelerating Climate Change and Nutrition-Climate Nexus. Minister Eang Sophalleth says that Cambodia has prioritized environmental response through campaigns to reduce plastic bag usage and plant more than one million trees per year to increase forest coverage and improve the quality of soil for agricultural crops.

Cambodia says it will be ready to put the National Council for Sustainable Development into effect within the next two years. As an accredited entity with independence, sovereignty and ownership, the council will be facilitated by Deputy Director General and Chair of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Nonhlanhla Zindela to be more effective.

COP28 is being held in Dubai this year for 12 days from November 30 to December 12, 2023.