Green Miracle: Cambodian Youth Unite to Combat Single-Use Plastic

A youth-led initiative of UNICEF’s Generation Futures Program pledges to raise awareness among Gen Z and Gen Alpha to tackle plastic pollution.

As plastic waste continues to pollute Cambodia’s streets, rivers, and communities, a youth-led initiative called Green Miracle has emerged to drive change among the next generation.

Supported by Impact Hub Cambodia, this initiative is dedicated to reducing single-use plastic and empowering young people to lead the way toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Green Miracle was born from the Generation Future 2025 competition held on June 7, organized by Impact Hub with backing from UNICEF Cambodia. The team of seven university students from both rural provinces and Phnom Penh united around a shared concern: the lack of environmental education and awareness throughout the country.

On August 2, 2025, Green Miracle hosted a Green High School workshop at Preah Sihanouk High School with 171 students. To further raise awareness about plastic pollution, they innovated the competition titled Trashart Contest 2025, which encourages young Cambodians to transform trash into artworks that are both beautiful and meaningful.

On October 25, they will host their first forum in Kompong Cham province under the theme "Plastic in Peril: The World in Pain," featuring insightful panel discussions with 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 received support from local and international private sector leaders, from Starbucks Cambodia to OCIC, Brown Coffee, and Connexion Hub.

Thierry Tea, Vice President of OCIC, declared, “It is truly inspiring to see the next generation so motivated to create change and push for a cleaner future for both the country and the planet. We are committed to supporting this young, energetic initiative.”

With nearly 60% of Cambodia’s population under 30 years old, the initiative sees young people as key to tackling plastic pollution.

Green Miracle’s campaign will kick off on October 25 with a first Green High School event at Preah Sihanouk High School in Kompong Cham province, an area characterized by 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 goes beyond awareness-raising. 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 to shift Cambodia’s image from a country struggling with waste toward a regional model of sustainability.

“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue—it affects our health, economy, and 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 7, 2025, its mission is to raise awareness and inspire behavioral change to reduce single-use plastic consumption in Cambodia.