Phnom Penh, Cambodia – As plastic waste continues to pollute Cambodia’s streets, rivers, and communities, a youth-led initiative created Green Miracle to drive change among the next generation.
Supported by Impact Hub Cambodia, the initiative is dedicated to reducing single-use plastic and empowering young people to take the lead in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Green Miracle was born from Generation Future 2025 on June 07th, a competition organized by Impact Hub with UNICEF Cambodia’s backing. The team of seven university students from across Cambodia—both rural provinces and Phnom Penh—came together around a shared concern: the lack of environmental education and awareness in the country.
Green Miracle hosted a Green high school workshop on August 02nd, 2025, at Preah Sihanouk high school with 171 students. To raise awareness about the plastic pollution, they innovated the competition name Trashart Contest 2025 which allows young Cambodians to transform trash into pieces of art that are both beautiful and meaningful.
On October 25th, they are hosting their first forum in Kompong Cham province under the theme “Plastic in peril: the world in pain,” which includes insightful panel discussions from authorities and other stakeholders.
“In school, we never learned about environmental literacy, nor did our parents or teachers speak about it,” said Nhim Chouby, Project Manager of Green Miracle. “We realized we had to take action ourselves.”
The young students have found backing from local and international private sectors leading players, from Starbucks Cambodia to OCIC, Brown Coffee, Connexion Hub.
Thierry Tea, Vice President of OCIC declared: “It is really inspiring to see the next generation very motivated to create change and push for a cleaner future for the country and the planet. We are committed to support this young energetic initiative.”
With nearly 60% of Cambodia’s population under 30, the initiative sees young people as the key to tackling plastic pollution. Green Miracle’s campaign will start on 25 October with a first “Green High School” event, which will take place at Preah Sihanouk High School in Kompong Cham province, an area with high plastic use and limited waste management. By combining school-based programs with digital campaigns, Green Miracle aims to inspire young Cambodians to refuse single-use plastics and adopt sustainable habits.
The group’s mission extends beyond awareness. Green Miracle advocates for a circular economy in Cambodia—transforming plastic reduction into opportunities for green jobs, economic growth, improved public health, and a stronger tourism sector. Their vision is for Cambodia to shift from being seen as a country struggling with waste to becoming a model of sustainability in the region.
“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue—it affects our health, our economy, and our future,” the team emphasized. “By working together, young people, government, NGOs, and businesses can make Cambodia a clean and green nation.”
About Green Miracle
Green Miracle is a Cambodian youth-led initiative supported by Impact Hub Cambodia. Formed during the Generation Future 2025 competition on June 07th, 2025, its mission is to raise awareness and inspire behavioral change to reduce single-use plastic consumption in Cambodia.
