UNICEF France Ambassador Elodie Gossuin proposes initiatives for vulnerable Cambodian children

As Cambodia faces the intensifying effects of climate change, UNICEF France Ambassador Elodie Gossuin has drawn the international community's attention to the urgent needs of the country's most vulnerable people: its children.

During a recent visit to Siem Reap province and the Tonle Sap region, Elodie Gossuin saw first-hand how climate change is reshaping childhood in Cambodia, and how innovative, climate-friendly interventions can make a difference

A champion of children's rights

Elodie Gossuin, famous French TV host, former Miss France and mother of four, has been a passionate defender of children's rights with UNICEF France for over ten years. Her latest mission to Cambodia, working alongside UNICEF teams, was marked by empathy, energy and a deep commitment to amplifying the voices of children affected by climate change.

“Elodie has been by our side for many years, always with the same energy, kindness and dedication,” said Marie-Pierre Spinosi, Head of Public Relations and Events at UNICEF France. "In the field, she creates a special bond with children. Her recent mission to Cambodia showed once again how truly committed she is to defending children's rights."

Cambodia: On the front line of climate change

Cambodia is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. According to UNICEF's Climate Risk Index for Children (CCRI), Cambodia ranks 46th out of 163 countries, putting it in the top third worldwide for high climate risk. The consequences are already severe: nearly two million Cambodian children - more than a third of the country's child population - live in areas regularly exposed to extreme weather conditions, water shortages and epidemics.

Increasingly frequent droughts and floods threaten children's access to nutritious food, clean water and safe learning environments. Many still lack the essential services needed to cope with these crises.

Intelligent solutions in action

In Siem Reap, Mr. Gossuin visited a “climate-resilient” school where students learn practical skills while focusing on the environment. The school is equipped with solar panels and flood-resistant water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities - innovations that ensure teaching can continue even in the face of climatic shocks.

She also visited the Chi Kreng district, where UNICEF, in partnership with local authorities and the private sector, is developing climate-resistant water supply systems. On the iconic Tonle Sap Lake, Ms. Gossuin visited a floating health center, an adaptive healthcare model designed to reach isolated communities whose lives are shaped by the lake's changing water levels.

“We are deeply grateful to UNICEF France and Elodie for their unwavering support in amplifying our work on the ground,” said Dr Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia.

"This commitment helps us to implement climate-smart programs that protect children's rights to health, education and security, despite the growing threats posed by climate change. Children are the least responsible for this crisis, but they are the ones who suffer most. That's why we're building resilient systems to secure their future."

Supporting families and giving hope

Throughout her visit, Ms. Gossuin met families benefiting from the “family package”, a national social protection system that helps the most vulnerable access essential services. She spoke to children receiving scholarships, pregnant women receiving free prenatal care and disabled people receiving financial assistance.

Ms. Gossuin also learned about awareness-raising and training programs run by UNICEF and its partners, including Buddhist pagodas and monks, which encourage positive discipline, prevent violence and raise climate awareness. In conversations with young leaders, she heard inspiring stories of young people taking action to protect their communities and their environment.

A message of hope and determination

“Climate change disrupts everything, and children always pay the highest price,” Gossuin said at the end of her trip.

"But here in Cambodia, I've seen solutions, commitment and hope. Schools that remain open despite the floods. Young people taking action to protect their environment. Families holding on. This is the fight I want to defend.

Her visit not only highlighted the resilience and ingenuity of Cambodian communities, but also underlined the essential role of international solidarity in safeguarding the rights and future of children facing the climate crisis.