Phnom Penh, 4-5 December 2024: On 4–5 December the Cambodia Development Research Institute (CDRI) hosted a training workshop titled ’Research in Circular Economy and Sustainable Finance’ in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Designed for young researchers, policymakers, and representatives from international organisations, the event aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of circular economy principles, green finance, the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, and its application in addressing climate challenges.

The workshop brought together 25 participants from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Brunei Darussalam, representing various sectors including academia, government, finance, and civil society.

Objectives of the Workshop:

• Introduce participants to the fundamentals of green and sustainable finance.
• Explain the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance and its alignment with international standards.
• Demonstrate the taxonomy’s application in assessing the sustainability of projects and investments.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange amongst participants to develop impactful research proposals.

The 2-day programme featured an engaging agenda of presentations, interactive discussions, and case studies led by Dr Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, Senior Research Fellow for Innovations at ERIA.

Key Highlights:

• Day 1 Topics: An introduction to circular economy concepts, green finance, sustainable finance, the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, and real-world case studies on project assessment.
• Day 2 Topics: Advanced discussions on carbon finance and group activities focusing on research proposal development and action planning to address implementation challenges.

Participants gained valuable insights into the latest developments in sustainable development, economic integration, and innovative financing. The workshop also provided opportunities for networking and fostering collaboration amongst diverse stakeholders.

Recommendations from the Workshop:

1. Organise regular training programmes to promote the adoption of green finance in Mekong countries.
2. Encourage collaboration amongst stakeholders to develop and implement effective policies and initiatives for circular and low-carbon finance.
3. Conduct research to evaluate the impact of green finance on Cambodia’s economic and environmental sustainability.

The event marked a significant step in enhancing capacity-building efforts in the Mekong region to drive the transition toward a sustainable and resilient future.