Oxfam and Partners Convene Third Regional Forum on Social Protection for a Just Transition and Climate Action

Siem Reap, October 26, 2025_Oxfam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training and our partners co-organize the third regional forum in Siem Reap province on 26 October 2025. The forum focused on advancing Social Protection for A Just Transition and Climate Action, bringing together key stakeholders to address the intersection of climate change, labor right and inclusive development.

Unlike previous regional forums held in Ratanakiri and Kampong Speu provinces, this forum aligned with the celebration of International Rural Women's Day, highlighting the vital role of rural women in sustainable development and climate resilience. Oxfam and our partners emphasized the urgent need to protect society through integrated environmental and climate action recognizing that these are not separate goals, but deeply interconnected priorities. 

Rural women are central to managing natural resources, sustaining agricultural practices, and safeguarding biodiversity. Yet, they remain among the most vulnerable to climate related risk such as droughts, floods and shifting seasonal patterns that threaten their livelihoods and food security.

H.E.Dr. HENG Sophannarith, Deputy Director General of the National Social Security Fund, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, said,“As we gather in Siem Reap to advance social protection for a just transition and climate action, we are reminded of the resilience and leadership of rural women across Cambodia. Their voices must be at the heart of our response to climate challenges and our efforts to build inclusive, sustainable systems of support. The National Social Security Fund of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training is proud to stand with Oxfam and partners in reaffirming our commitment to equity, dignity, and protection for all especially those most impacted by environmental and economic change.”

Speaking at the event, Mr. Visal Tan, Oxfam Representative, said, “A just transition must ensure that rural women are not left behind. This mean equitable access to green jobs, training on land rights, inclusive financial services, and meaningful participation in decision-making. Their leadership in building climate resilience must be recognized and supported.”

The forum in Siem Reap convenes diverse stakeholder of approximately 360 people including community leaders, provincial officers, policy makers, workers’ representatives and experts. Discussions focused on strengthening Cambodia’s social assistance systems with greater transparency, gender inclusivity and climate resilience which are key pillars for sustainable and equitable national development. 

Cambodia, like many Southeast Asian nation, faces severe impact from climate change, which undermines economic and natural resource sustainability particularly in the agri-food sector. These challenges affect the well-being of formal and informal workers, and self-employed individuals, and vulnerable groups including women, the elderly, people with disabilities and indigenous peoples. Many of them are lack of adequate protection mechanisms.  

As Cambodia strives to achieve high-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050, the continued promotion of a green economy, alongside sustainable agriculture and industry, is essential for driving inclusive economic growth. This progress must be equitable and resilient ensuring that both the workforce and communities benefit from development that is environmentally responsible and socially just.

To remain regionally competitive, the Royal Government and its development partners must prioritize robust social protection policies and targeted skills development to create inclusive employment opportunities in both the industrial and green economy. At the same time, promoting decent work in agriculture, food production, agro-industry, and textiles remains a critical issue. Enhancing labor standards and safeguarding workers’ rights in these sectors is fundamental to improving supply chain transparency and strengthening corporate accountability.

As part of its broader commitment, Oxfam, alongside partner organizations, has been implementing programs to strengthen labor rights and social protection. These initiatives include improving working conditions for women in agriculture, integrating social protection with public financial systems, and addressing the environmental and social needs of garment workers. All efforts aim to promote fair labor practices and expand support for vulnerable workers, contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable development.