Young Voices in Climate Action: The Journey of Va Phavan
For many youths in Cambodia, the climate crisis isn’t just a talking point—it’s a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Among them is Va Phavan, an environmental advocate pushing for change not only in Cambodia but on a global scale.
Phavan’s journey led her to significant international climate conferences, including the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP). At these events, she represents vulnerable groups—especially women and children—while advocating for effective climate policies.
In 2025, she participated in COP in Belém, Brazil, adding to her previous experience in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2024. These experiences have been eye-opening for Phavan. She learned that youth can influence climate decisions and is motivated to ensure that their voices are heard. “I wanted to be part of the solution because I grew up seeing the impact of waste and pollution in my hometown,” she explained.
Phavan holds degrees from the Institute of Foreign Languages and the Department of Media and Communication. Now, as a communications officer at a recycling company in Phnom Penh, she channels her knowledge and passion into promoting environmental responsibility.
Her involvement extends to various initiatives, including the “Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge” by the UN Development Programme (UNDP). “I didn’t think I’d be selected for COP, but the experience taught me a lot about environmental business and policy,” she reflected.
Through her work, Phavan aims to foster youth participation in climate discussions. She’s part of the Youth Council for Climate Action and joined the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) to empower fellow young advocates.
Facing the Challenges
At COP in Belém, Phavan found that her initial expectations were met with reality. “I thought youth from all countries would share perspectives on climate urgency, but I was surprised by the disconnect,” she said. Many representatives from wealthy nations often seem detached from the struggles faced by those in developing countries like Cambodia.
Phavan highlighted an important criticism: “Youth voices often feel secondary, especially when industry representatives, like fossil fuel lobbyists, dominate discussions.”
Despite environmental challenges, young activists are gradually being invited to contribute to conversations. Still, Phavan noted that “participation doesn’t equal influence.” She described feeling sidelined during stakeholder consultations for Cambodia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), where youth had limited speaking time.
The Rise of Environmental Awareness
Recent statistics show a shift in youth engagement on climate issues. A 2023 survey by the United Nations revealed that 85% of young people globally believe they should be involved in climate decision-making, up from 70% in 2021. This indicates a growing acknowledgment of the importance of youth perspectives in shaping the climate agenda.
Phavan’s goal is to ensure that next generations are better prepared to advocate for their environments. “We need to teach them about climate negotiations so they can defend their future,” she stressed.
Her determination is fueled by a desire for a better future for rural communities. “They deserve a cleaner environment, and that drives me to keep pushing for change,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Despite challenges, Phavan remains hopeful. She aspires to nurture future climate advocates, believing it’s crucial for sustaining the movement. “If I can’t carry on this work, I want to empower the younger generation,” she said.
Her youth group is focused on raising climate awareness, but establishing a formal organization is tough. Many members juggle their own jobs, making it difficult to find time and resources.
Phavan’s journey is a testament to the power of youth in climate action. While there are obstacles, her passion and commitment shine through, inspiring many to join the fight for a healthier planet.
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PHNOM PENH – For many young Cambodians today, the climate crisis is no longer a distant global issue—it is something they feel compelled to confr…
