AKP Phnom Penh, June 05, 2026 --

A young Cambodian woman has taken the challenges of her suburban community to the global stage, representing her neighbourhood's voice at the United Nations.

Growing up in a suburban area plagued by poor waste management, domestic violence, and high school dropout rates, Mao Rima always harboured a deep desire to drive positive change in her hometown.

According to World Vision, Rima joined the international non-governmental organisation at the age of 15. Alongside a dedicated team of local youth, she learned how to identify grassroots issues and implement hands-on solutions. The group actively organised training sessions focused on child rights, violence prevention, positive parenting, and environmental protection.

These grassroots experiences opened major international doors for Rima, ultimately leading to her participation in the UN Sustainable Development goals meetings.

Speaking on June 4, Rima shared her long-term vision of establishing a social enterprise designed to support Cambodian farmers and generate sustainable job opportunities within her community.

By K. Rithy Reak