FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – January 14, 2026
Cambodia Pioneers New Era of Climate-Safe Schools: BRACE Project Launches with Green Climate Fund and Global Partnership for Education Support
Funded by the Green Climate Fund and the Global Partnership for Education, today, the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), launched the BRACE project—a groundbreaking initiative to protect education from climate shocks. As Cambodia faces intensifying floods, droughts, and extreme heat, the education sector stands on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
The BRACE project will transform 240 primary schools across Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, and Koh Kong into climate-resilient, safe spaces.
Thanks to the investment from the Green Climate Fund and the Global Partnership for Education, BRACE acts as a vital shield. The project will:
Retrofits vulnerable schools with solar power and cooling systems
Improve the flood-resilient WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities
Support over 392,000 students and teachers to continue learning safely, regardless of climate change impacts.
The launch ceremony for the BRACE project is presided over by H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, following the receipt of financial support from two major funds for climate change and education.
H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, said: "The implementation of the BRACE project aims to ensure safe learning and a better future for Cambodian children. Today, the Royal Government of Cambodia takes a historic step. By launching BRACE, we are not just renovating buildings; we are keeping our promise to every child that their safety and their future come first. This project is a manifestation of our commitment to a resilient, knowledge-based society where no student is left behind by environmental shocks."
Beyond physical upgrades, the project integrates climate change into the national curriculum and empowers student-led clubs to drive local environmental action. It establishes early warning systems that directly link schools to communities, ensuring a rapid response to hazards. In addition, the project increases access to climate finance and promotes evidence generation and knowledge-sharing to strengthen the adaptation efforts in the education sector globally.
Sarah Beardmore, Strategic Partnerships and Capabilities Team Lead for the GPE, indicated, “Supporting children’s uninterrupted access to education is critical to their development and success, and schools can also play a vital role in advancing climate adaptation. By actively supporting children to participate in school and community risk assessments and drills, learn about climate change through the curriculum and improve access to early warning systems, BRACE will strengthen climate resilience at the community level. This ground-breaking investment from the Green Climate Fund and the Global Partnership for Education will support the government of Cambodia’s vision of a climate-resilient education system with far-reaching benefits for the country, highlighted in their newly updated Nationally Determined Contribution.”
H.E. Meas Chanthida, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Environment, said, “Climate change is already affecting Cambodia’s schools, communities, and development pathways. The launch of the BRACE project in Cambodia reflects our shared commitment to strengthening climate resilience through education. By working closely with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and Save the Children, BRACE helps translate national climate priorities, including NDC3.0 and CCCSP, into concrete action that protects learning and builds long-term resilience for children and communities.”
Mr. Hong Reaksmey, Country Director of Save the Children in Cambodia, said: "For too long, extreme weather has disrupted the dreams of Cambodian children. With the Green Climate Fund's backing, BRACE changes the narrative from vulnerability to empowerment. We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports to ensure that schools are not only safe from storms but also become hubs where the next generation learns to lead the fight against climate change. When we invest in resilient schools, we invest in a resilient Cambodia."
This launch marks the beginning of a five-year journey made possible by the Green Climate Fund and the Global Partnership for Education, with additional co-financing from UNICEF and the World Bank. Together, these investments will secure uninterrupted education and a greener future for the Kingdom.
