The first meeting of the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) has now started at the Ministry of Environment in the morning of 31 August 2016 under chairmanship of H.E. Say Samal, Minister of Environment and NCSD Chair. This meeting brings together for the first time senior government representatives at the central and provincial levels to review and decide on a wide range of agenda items such as: NCSD logo, structure and subsidiary bodies, rules and procedures, priority strategic programmes, as well as to hear the updates on the National Environmental Strategy and Action Plan (NESAP) and the Environmental Code.In his welcoming address to the 61 members of the Council, H.E. Say Samal, Minister of Environment and NCSC Chair, noted that the institutional reform has led to the establishment of the NCSD in May 2015 as a policy making body, which is a significant step to promote sustainable development, ensuring economic, environmental, social and cultural balance of the nation. He further highlighted that immediate priorities for the NCSD should focus on sustainable cities, sustainable energy, climate change responses, biodiversity conservation, science and green technology, and finalization of the NESAP and the Environmental Code. He also pointed out the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and coordination among concerned stakeholders as a necessary factor that will ensure work efficiency and overall success of the Council. He finally called for the steadfast support from all NCSD representatives, at the central and sub-national levels, to ensure sustainable development for all in Cambodia.
Source: Climate Change Department | 31 August 2016
