Cambodia joins Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative as the 18th Nation-State at COP30

At our High-Level event in the COP30 Action Agenda earlier today, Cambodia’s Secretary of State, His Excellency Soung Sophorn, announced that the Kingdom of Cambodia would be the 18th country to join this growing bloc of countries participating in this powerful global initiative. 

The timing of this announcement is significant. Over the coming week, countries will discuss the need for a “roadmap” to transition away from fossil fuels. Cambodia has shown leadership by showing support for the negotiation of a roadmap that is binding, 1.5ºC-aligned, equity-based and includes a commitment to end expansion and scale finance for the transition. 

In his speech, His Excellency Soung Sophorn, made it clear that 

“Cambodia supports the Fossil Fuel Treaty as a tool to accelerate global ambition. We believe its goals are essential to safeguarding our planet and protecting vulnerable communities. Cambodia stresses that developing countries cannot undertake this transition alone. We require enhanced international support, including climate finance, technology transfer, capacity development, and partnerships to diversify our energy systems and ensure that workers and communities are not left behind. Cambodia stands ready to work with all countries to advance the principles of no new drilling, a managed phase-out of fossil fuels, and a just, people-centred transition. Together we can build the foundations of a peaceful, sustainable and climate secure future for all.”

The nation’s Secretary of State announced that “Cambodia stands ready to work with all countries to advance the principles of no new drilling, a managed phase-out of fossil fuels, and a just, people-centred transition.” 

The announcement took place at a High-Level Ministerial event in the COP30 Action Agenda, alongside other countries participating in the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, including Ministers from the Pacific, Caribbean, South Asia, and fossil fuel producers looking to transition away from coal, oil and gas extraction, such as Colombia. 

Ten other nation-states also attended the event, and Sri Lanka and Nepal made formal statements showing commitment to engage in the initiative in the year ahead, showing growing political support for the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal. 

Stay tuned for more major announcements from COP30 in the coming days. For now, thanks for your support in helping amplify Cambodia’s leadership and the historic momentum building behind the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal.

With hope, 

Harjeet Singh

Strategic Advisor for the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative