Smart Axiata, a leading integrated ICT and telecom provider in Cambodia, and the Ministry of Environment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote eco-friendly practices and environmental initiatives across the Kingdom. The signing ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, and attended by Smart Axiata’s CEO, Ziad Shatara, with the pair emphasizing the importance of joint efforts between the public and private sectors in driving climate action.
Smart Axiata has actively supported various environmental initiatives, providing tree planting movements, local plant nurseries, and tree distribution exhibition with financial and material support. The telco has additionally facilitated nationwide awareness campaigns via its communication channels.
Through this partnership, Smart Axiata will continue to amplify national campaigns such as “Clean Cambodia! Green Cambodia! Khmer Can Do!” and “Today, I Will Not Use Plastic” by leveraging its extensive digital platforms, SMS blasts, app notifications, and social media channels. In addition, Smart Axiata will support tree nursery gemination, helping to generate 1 million saplings for tree distribution and planting movements across Cambodia to increase green coverage and contribute to climate mitigation.
At the event, Smart Axiata CEO Ziad Shatara reaffirmed the company’s aim to utilize their resources in support of Cambodia’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
“As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to lead by example, leveraging technology to address climate challenges and collaborating closely with the Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders to build a more sustainable tomorrow,” he remarked.
His Excellency Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying, “This MoU represents a strong step toward fostering a greener Cambodia. Partnership with committed private organization like Smart Axiata is critical to achieving our Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, national sustainability goals, and the circular strategy on the environment.”
His Excellency also mentioned that “green sprouts that grow from tree nurseries under the initiative of our environmental family, national and international partners, development partners, and private sector companies like Smart Axiata are a legacy for the future generations of Cambodia”. His Excellency went on to thank and welcome Smart Axiata to the environmental family for its environmental responsibility and contributing to making Cambodia clean and green.
Smart Axiata’s adherence to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices underscores their dedication to integrating sustainability into their operations, while corporate social responsibility initiatives reflect active participation in climate advocacy and efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change in Cambodia. Smart Axiata is also the first ICT and telecom company to publish an annual sustainability report since 2014.
Smart Axiata has progressively made significant strides in advancing a greener economy. Over 40% of its 4G sites are powered by solar energy to reduce carbon emissions, and also utilizing innovations like iPowerStar 2.0, an AI technology to enhance energy efficiency without compromising customer experience. Smart Axiata has also implemented several waste management practices, including waste separation to improve recycling, while other internal initiatives are encouraging staff to save energy and water, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and conscious consumption within the organization.
Smart Axiata has long been an active contributor to environmental stewardship through previous collaborations with the Ministry of Environment, supporting initiatives like the National Eco-Pagoda Program, the National Environmental Youth Debate, and clean water provisioning for schools in rural areas.
This MoU reaffirms Smart Axiata’s role as a responsible corporate citizen and the importance of private-public partnerships in addressing environmental issues and climate change and achieving ambitious environmental goals through shared resources and expertise.
