New York City, USA – H.E. Chhieng Yanara, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions and Second Vice-President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), delivered a compelling address during the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2025, held earlier this week in New York City.
Speaking before global leaders, United Nations officials, and key stakeholders, H.E. Chhieng Yanara underscored Cambodia’s transformative journey from a war-torn nation to a country committed to peace, dignity, and sustainable development. The Minister reaffirmed Cambodia’s unwavering dedication to preserving peace, upholding international law, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with the 2030 Agenda.
According to a statement from the CDC, H.E. Chhieng Yanara emphasized that Cambodia’s development efforts reflect not only national priorities but also a broader global commitment to leaving no one behind. He highlighted how the government and people of Cambodia have worked tirelessly to ensure that the country’s past struggles give way to a future defined by resilience, cooperation, and progress.
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Key Contributions Toward the SDGs
The Senior Minister spotlighted several specific initiatives that demonstrate Cambodia’s strategic approach to the SDGs:
- Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Cambodia remains committed to ending HIV/AIDS, ensuring access to healthcare, and strengthening its health systems.
- Quality Education and Empowerment (SDG 4): The government is expanding education and empowerment programs, with a focus on youth and marginalized communities.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Cambodia is actively diversifying its economy and embracing digital innovation to create jobs and sustain economic momentum.
- Life Below Water (SDG 14): Governance in the fisheries sector is being reinforced through sustainable practices to preserve marine biodiversity and support livelihoods.
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): The country continues to foster inclusive and participatory decision-making processes, engaging stakeholders across sectors and regions.
A Global Platform for Shared Progress
The HLPF 2025, convened under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, serves as the central platform for reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This year’s forum was held under the theme: “Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, Science and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for Leaving No One Behind.”
The Ministerial Segment brought together high-level representatives of UN Member States, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector to assess global progress and share policy solutions that can accelerate the SDG implementation.
The 2025 review paid particular attention to the interlinkages among selected SDGs, with a focus on:
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 14 – Life Below Water
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Throughout the forum, Cambodia’s contributions were recognized as part of the broader momentum to build inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking development strategies grounded in peace and sustainability.
H.E. Chhieng Yanara’s participation underscored Cambodia’s proactive role in the global sustainable development agenda and reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate with international partners in achieving a more just and sustainable future.
