Dr. Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, recently extended his congratulations to Hem Sophem and Mrs. Aok Sochenda for their remarkable achievements in environmental protection. The duo received the 2nd ASEAN Youth Eco-Champions Award in their respective categories during the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment in Vientiane, Laos on August 24.
Hem Sophem, a young Cambodian environmentalist, was awarded the Junior Youth category for his significant contributions to environmental conservation through his initiative, “Nisset Plastic” (plastic students). In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Sophem expressed his gratitude, emphasizing that the award was a collective achievement by the young Cambodians actively engaged in environmental protection.
On the other hand, Mrs. Aok Sochenda, the founder of ZEROW, an organization promoting a zero-waste lifestyle, won the Senior Youth category. Sochenda is known for her passionate advocacy and creative content creation in raising awareness about environmental issues.
The prestigious ASEAN Youth Eco-Champions Award (AYECA), held once every four years, honors exemplary young citizens of ASEAN Member States (AMS) between the ages of 18 and 35 who have made remarkable contributions to environmental protection.
Under this award, two outstanding individuals are recognized from each ASEAN Member State – one in the Junior Category (aged 18-25) and another in the Senior Category (aged 26-35). The recipients are selected based on their active participation and notable accomplishments in safeguarding the environment.
Cambodia takes exceptional pride in the achievements of Hem Sophem and Mrs. Aok Sochenda, highlighting the nation’s commitment to nurturing and empowering its young citizens actively involved in environmental conservation efforts.
Through their remarkable contributions and initiatives, both Sophem and Sochenda have become role models for the younger generation in Cambodia, inspiring them to take up similar endeavors in protecting and preserving the environment for future generations.
As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, it is these youth champions who give hope and motivation to tackle these issues head-on, contributing to the sustainability and well-being of the ASEAN region as a whole.
Source: Khmer Times
