BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. Cambodia creates new
opportunities for people to move to a safer living environment, the
country's Deputy Prime Minister Say Samal said during the Leaders'
Summit, held within the framework of WUF13 in Baku, Trend reports.
"We are shaping basic infrastructure and service standards in
Cambodian cities. We are working to make cities more sustainable
and resilient," he explained.
The deputy prime minister emphasized that in this direction,
local governments are given more authority and responsibility,
proper budgeting and urban planning are implemented, partnerships
are strengthened, and investments in digital infrastructure are
increased.
"In addition, reforms are being implemented in the areas of
waste management, sanitation, traffic flow regulation, public
transport, public safety, universal education and health, culture
and art activities. Special attention is also paid to the
development of accessible and inclusive mortgage mechanisms. The
government is also implementing preferential policies for the most
vulnerable segments of society, providing agricultural land and
affordable housing programs," he said.
Say Samal noted that in the last 10 years, the living conditions
of about half a million families in Cambodia have improved.
"We are creating new opportunities for people to move out of
informal settlements and into safer and more normal living
environments. Cambodia aims to completely eliminate informal
settlements in the near future. We consider it a priority not only
to provide housing, but also to form a family environment and the
concept of home. In this context, drug addiction, diabetes, heart
disease, and other social problems are being combated, family
savings are being encouraged, and measures are being taken to
reduce the debt burden of families," the official said.
He added that at the same time, initiatives such as healthy and
environmentally friendly nutrition and increasing public parks are
being implemented to encourage people to lead an active
lifestyle.
"We also attach great importance to preserving family values
and culture. Attention should be paid not only to STEM education,
but also to children's interest in art, music, and reading," he
mentioned.
The official pointed out that the changing global order, the
decline in biodiversity, and climate change pose serious threats to
the development achieved by his country in recent years.
"A peaceful world is our national strategic interest. Despite
being one of the countries with the lowest greenhouse gas
emissions, Cambodia is contributing to combating climate change and
protecting biodiversity. Cambodia is the second least developed
country and the first in ASEAN to submit a long-term strategy to
achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We have also submitted renewed
national climate commitments, are allocating more finance to
climate action, expanding renewable energy projects, and
implementing energy efficiency policies. In addition, we have
adopted a new environmental investment law and taken steps to
'green' the financial sector," he concluded.
