Background
On February 12-13, 2026, Cambodia convened a regional forum in Siem Reap entitled “ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Sharing Good Practices and Lessons Learned on Social Protection in the Context of Climate Change for Women and Children.” The dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, in cooperation with the Asian Vision Institute (AVI), ASEAN specialized agencies, the French Development Agency (AFD), World Vision, and Expertise France. This effort aims to strengthen social resilience and develop responsive governance strategies addressing climate vulnerabilities affecting women and children across ASEAN.
Scope of Application
The dialogue brought together approximately 120 participants, including senior officials from all 11 ASEAN member states, representatives of ASEAN specialized institutions, donors, and development partners. The event targeted the exchange of practical experiences, identification of challenges faced by vulnerable groups, and the alignment of future climate governance with the ASEAN Vision 2045.
Key Provisions or Decisions
Key points discussed and presented by Cambodian representatives, including Undersecretary of State Aun Ponchana from the Ministry of Environment, focused on:
- Utilization of precise technical data to identify specific vulnerabilities of women and children to climate impacts.
- Enhancement of interagency cooperation across ministries and institutions to effectively deliver social protection measures.
- Development of concrete solutions and strategies to mitigate climate risks for vulnerable populations.
- Direction-setting for future ASEAN climate governance frameworks aligning with the 2045 vision.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
While this dialogue primarily addresses social governance and climate adaptation policies, it signals heightened regional commitment to integrating social protection into climate-related planning and policy development. Businesses and investors engaged in climate-sensitive sectors may anticipate evolving regulatory and social responsibility expectations related to vulnerable populations in ASEAN.
Official Source
Ministry of Environment Cambodia Facebook post, February 15, 2026: https://www.facebook.com/MinistryOfEnvironmentCambodia/posts/pfbid021uUyPXvfz4S9EYYGQ6chp6ExEDyXN448fs4r6yuGVbUNF5mLD2pGm7o1r899dNrdl
