In a powerful demonstration of community-driven action, approximately 270 youth, teachers, and local villagers gathered on 21 July at Preah Netr Preah District Hall, Banteay Meanchey Province, to tackle one of Cambodia’s most urgent environmental challenges: plastic pollution. The Campaign for waste separation and reduction of plastic use, part of the nationwide movement “Today, I Do Not Use Plastic Bags” and “Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do!” initiated by the Ministry of Environment, which have engaged more than 11 million students and citizens to minimize plastic use and promote proper waste sorting nationwide.
23 July 2025
Youth-Led Plastic Reduction Campaign Transforms Communities in Cambodia
A Pledge for Long-Term Change
In a country generating over 10,000 tons of waste daily—and where plastic makes up nearly 20% of urban waste—this hands-on campaign was a moment of empowerment. Students voiced their commitment to change consumption habits and champion greener lifestyles. They engaged in practical waste sorting, learned about environmental consequences, explored eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags, and even took part in local road clean-ups. Their efforts directly aligned with the goals of Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, and Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028.
During his keynote address, H.E. Pak Sokharavuth, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment and Chairman of the National Steering Committee for PAGE Cambodia, underscored the pressing need to address plastic pollution by involving youths, local communities, and other stakeholders in adopting effective waste separation practices and enhancing overall waste management.
The campaign reaffirmed that systemic change begins locally—through education, ownership, and collective responsibility—culminating in a unified pledge to reduce plastic consumption and embrace environmental stewardship.
Cambodia awareness campaign plastic pollution 2025 H.E Pak Sokharavuth
Sustaining Momentum Through Youth Leadership
By placing youth at the heart of environmental reform, Cambodia is fostering a generation grounded in sustainable values. Another nationwide clean-up campaign titled “Clean National Roads Without Waste and Plastic Debris” was launched on January 1, 2025, with the goal of achieving visibly cleaner national roads by the end of the year.
The Ministry of Environment is actively enhancing these nationwide clean campaigns to nationwide clean movements and clean habits of every Cambodian and communities.
Cambodia awareness campaign plastic pollution 2025