This year, Cambodia once again joined the global movement for a cleaner planet as part of World Cleanup Day, alongside millions around the globe uniting to take action for a clean and healthy, waste-free planet.
Under the leadership of Sovann Nou and his organisation, River Ocean Cleanup, Cambodia demonstrated its continued dedication to this cause, through not only grassroots involvement but an unprecedented level of government engagement. This year, the event saw a total of seven of Cambodia’s ministries take key roles in co-organising the national cleanup, in a cross-sector collaboration between civil society and government.
To the slogan of “Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do It!” Cambodia's World Cleanup day was co-organised by Ministries of Environment, Education, Youth & Sport, Interior, Commerce, Tourism, Culture and Religion, and Labour & Vocational Training. These ministries didn’t merely lend support and encouraging words from the sidelines—they played an active role in mobilising volunteers, providing venues, and participating in the cleanups themselves.
The Ministry of Environment presided over the main cleanup in Phnom Penh, alongside representatives from other ministries and local leaders. In parallel, satellite events took place in each and every one of Cambodia’s 24 provinces, all of which were chaired by provincial governors.
A proud moment for Cambodia’s Let’s Do It World leader
Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Sovann Nou, Let’s Do It World leader for Cambodia and the driving force behind the action, expressed his pride in the event’s national reach and impact, stating:
“Over the past seven years, during World Cleanup Day, each province and city across Cambodia has been able to remove dozens of tons of waste from the streets and waterways. In the past, we had to cover our noses in some areas, but not anymore. Now, I see rivers that are truly rivers again, and parks with real green grass—no plastic bottles, no bags—just sparkling clean. I feel proud to have contributed to keeping Cambodia clean through World Cleanup Day and my organisation, River Ocean Cleanup.”
Overcoming challenges through collaboration
Sovann also highlighted the challenges faced in organising such a vast event, especially in terms of communication, coordination, and financial support. The scale of World Cleanup Day requires not only volunteer enthusiasm but also technical support, funding, and efficient logistics to ensure that every aspect is handled effectively. In this regard, the support from the Cambodian government along with sponsors, such as Leader Energy Group Berhad, Vattanac Brewery, Prince Bank, Acleda Bank, and many more, has proved invaluable.
Despite the support of incredible volunteers giving their time for free, funding is often an issue that restricts the ability to scale up cleanup efforts, Sovann explains: "World Cleanup Day changes the perception of cleanups as ‘boring’ by adding excitement and fun, making people want to be part of this global movement. However, to meet growing expectations, we need more financial support from kindhearted sponsors who believe in the power of collaboration to achieve our common goal—a waste-free world."
Aiming big, starting local, and looking to the future
The vision for 2024 was bold: Cambodia aimed to engage 1 million volunteers in one day. While the final number is still being counted, it is clear that Cambodia has made an impressive impact. From the bustling streets of Phnom Penh to the scenic riversides of Tonlé Sap and the Mekong, Cambodia’s World Cleanup Day actions have engaged communities from all walks of life.
As the dust settles on World Cleanup Day 2024, Cambodia is already looking ahead. The event wasn’t just a one-day effort; it’s part of a long-term strategy to keep the country clean. Sovann’s organisation, River Ocean Cleanup, continues its ongoing mission to remove plastic and mixed waste from Cambodia’s rivers, building on the progress made during its annual World Cleanup Days.
Thanks to the five-year financial support from Leader Energy Group, a renewable energy-focused company, this work will continue to be sustained. With the combined efforts of government, sponsors, and volunteers, Cambodia is setting an example for other nations by proving that collaborative, well-coordinated and cross-sector action can lead to lasting environmental change.
In Sovann’s words: “World Cleanup Day is the only unified global movement capable of mobilising millions across the planet to take action for a healthier environment. It's truly incredible to witness the strength of this network, which has grown through tireless effort from us Let’s Do It World country leaders, without any financial incentive, over the past seven years. Together, we have the power to create the world we want to see!”
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