Phnom Penh, April 2, 2024 – Cambodia is currently hosting a high-level forum on climate resilience for the Asia-Pacific region, titled the “Asia-Pacific Knowledge Exchange (APKE).” This pivotal event serves as a platform for sharing experiences and best practices in bolstering climate resilience.

The forum, which commenced this morning, is presided over by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Cambodia, Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth. The event has attracted international participation, including Samoa's Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai, Climate Investment Funds (CIF) CEO Tariye Gbadegesin, and Warren Evans, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s Special Senior Advisor and Climate Envoy.

Jointly organized by Cambodia's Ministry of Economy and Finance, CIF, and ADB, the opening ceremony welcomed an array of delegates. Representatives from ministries, educational and research institutions, business associations, indigenous communities, and local groups from Cambodia were joined by delegates from thirteen other countries across the Asia-Pacific, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Tajikistan, and Tonga.

The ADB has outlined the forum's objectives as promoting the exchange of practical tools, best practices, success stories, and lessons learned to address climate challenges. The event aims to bridge capacity gaps, cater to the learning needs of government officials and Multilateral Development Bank partners, and foster policy dialogue to support climate resilience, sustainable forest management, and nature-based solutions.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Pornmoniroth highlighted the Royal Government's commitment to sustainability and climate resilience, as evidenced by Cambodia's ambitious climate commitments through its Nationally Determined Contributions and the Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.

CIF CEO Gbadegesin shared insights into the CIF's role in driving climate action and building resilience in vulnerable nations, emphasizing the importance of learning from real-world projects to guide future investments and interventions.

ADB's Evans stressed the critical role of Asia and the Pacific in the global fight against climate change, highlighting the collaborative efforts of development banks and climate funds to achieve sustainable development and lasting impact.

This forum marks a significant step in regional efforts to combat climate change, underscoring the importance of international collaboration and knowledge sharing in achieving climate resilience and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific.