Cambodian youth advocate uses regional stage to urge inclusive decision making
A 15-year-old Cambodian youth advocate took centre stage at the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD). He called on regional leaders to invest in child nutrition, improved farming techniques and greater awareness of healthy eating.
The 12th APFSD, held from February 25-28, was themed “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind in Asia and the Pacific”.
It was staged at the UN Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
Mach Paris, an emerging advocate from Cambodia’s National Children and Youth Council (CYC), joined young representatives from across Asia to push for greater child participation in policymaking.
Representing Cambodia, Paris passionately shared his village’s challenges in accessing nutritious food and highlighted youth-led solutions aimed at tackling food security and child health.
Speaking at two key side events — “Reaching the Unreached: Inclusive Solutions for Child Health and Nutrition in Asia and the Pacific” and “Leave No Child Behind: Children at the Heart of SDGs” — he underscored the urgent need to invest in children’s well-being as part of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Investing in children’s health is investing in a sustainable future for everyone. Children understand the problems they face and have ideas to solve them. We need more opportunities to be part of decision-making,” said the young man.
Paris was selected for the forum due to his leadership in child-led research and community initiatives.
As a young researcher and community reading facilitator, he has been at the forefront of efforts to improve child nutrition, a key focus of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
His work aligns with the ENOUGH campaign, a movement advocating for food security and child nutrition across Asia.
During his presentation, he shared findings from his youth-led research team on how climate change is deepening malnutrition and impacting children’s physical and mental development. 
He emphasised that investments in sustainable farming and nutritional education must be scaled up to protect vulnerable children.
Beyond his speeches, Paris participated in the Young Minds Newsroom, an interactive booth organised by World Vision.
Here, he engaged in discussions with key figures, including Rachael Beaven, director of the UN ESCAP Statistics Division, and Teresa Ferrari, regional leader for East Asia at World Vision.
“At World Vision, we believe children and youth can provide their unique contributions through participation in evidence-building and policymaking. Children play a vital role — not just as beneficiaries, but as leaders in shaping solutions,” said Ferrari.
Paris’ participation exemplified World Vision’s commitment to ensuring that children are not just recipients of policy decisions but active contributors to solutions.
Following his return from Bangkok, Paris was determined to use his experience to inspire other young people in Cambodia.
He plans to share insights with peers, encourage youth participation in policymaking and continue leading research projects that provide concrete evidence for decision-making.
“I want to show other children that they have a voice. I will continue leading research to help decision-makers understand what is happening in our communities. Children should not only be seen as beneficiaries — we can contribute to real change,” he said.
He also urged leaders to create more spaces for children to participate in discussions that affect their futures.
“When you have important meetings, please invite children. We have first-hand experiences and ideas that can make a difference,” he added.
His call for more inclusive policymaking echoes a broader movement to ensure children are at the heart of global efforts to build a healthier, more equitable future.
Article by Phnom Penh Post: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodian-youth-advocate-uses-regional-stage-to-urge-inclusive-decision-making