Cambodia is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy, emphasising its National Research Agenda 2025 to identify “Carbon Neutrality” as a crucial research mission.
The commitment was reemphasised by Chhem Kieth Rethy, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), during the recent 12th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (IAMMSTI-12) in Brunei.
The meeting was chaired by Pengiran Dato Shamhary Mustapha, Brunei’s Minister of Transport and Infocommunications.
During his Brunei visit from June 18 to 22, Rethy, who is also Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister, led a delegation to participate in several meetings, including the Board Advisors to COSTI 83rd Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-83) and IAMMSTI-12 under the chairmanship of Brunei in Bandar Seri Begawan.
In his speech, Rethy emphasised the importance of the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Growth enabled by Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
“This strategy holds immense significance as we strive to align ourselves with global well-being and address the pressing issue of climate change,” he said.
He expressed confidence that STI will play a central role in achieving the goals set forth by the ASEAN strategy.
“Cambodia, with its expanding technological capabilities, can significantly contribute to the development and adoption of cutting-edge solutions,” he said.
Furthermore, Rethy emphasised the economic opportunities presented by the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Growth, saying “Transitioning to a low-carbon economy will stimulate investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable infrastructure.”
Rethy concluded his speech by stressing the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive approach to implementing the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Growth.
“By prioritising inclusivity and actively involving all stakeholders, we can create a sense of ownership and drive lasting change,” he said.
“The ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Growth, enabled by STI, presents a remarkable opportunity for Cambodia and the region to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change,” he added.
Cambodia’s participation in these meetings included discussions on various topics such as progress on Cambodia’s leadership in implementing projects such as “ASEAN Technology Management Hub” co-led by Cambodia and Indonesia; “Feasibility Study of Technology Transfer Models for Project Related to SDG”; “Establish the Platform for Education in Science and Technology” co-led by Thailand, Cambodia and ASEAN Secretariat; cooperation between ASEAN-Russia in STI sector; Cambodia’s proposal for a clear mechanism for technology transfer from ASEAN dialogue partners; and preparations for Cambodia to host COSTI-85 and AMMSTI-20 in 2024 as Chair of ASEAN-COSTI.
A joint statement released after the meeting said the meeting expressed a commitment to enhance cooperation in STI following the post-pandemic economic recovery of ASEAN Member States (AMS).
It acknowledged the outcome of the consultancy work on the Development of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026-2035: Phase I and the drafting of APASTI 2026-2035, which will commence in 2024 at the earliest.
The Meeting agreed that the role of the Board of Advisers to COSTI (BAC) should be strengthened and that ASTIF should be utilised more effectively.
It also reiterated the significance of the Public-Private Partnership in supporting the work of COSTI and recommended the inclusion of the private sector as member of BAC.
Source: Khmer Times
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<p>Time: 2024 By: Ministry of Industry and Trade</p>
