Valentine for the Earth: Libraries for the Planet
Students & Librarians sharing sustainability ideas through talks and art
Valentine for the Earth: Libraries for the Planet
Sustainability goes beyond awareness. It is about connection that links policy with practice, education with action, and ideas with community engagement.
Ongoing conversations around the EU Right to Repair Directive and its relevance to the Asia Pacific region reflect a global shift in how we think about consumption, repair, and responsibility. Extending product life and strengthening repair culture are not only policy directions; they represent a wider move toward circular economy thinking.
This perspective aligned closely with the Cambodian Librarians Association’s (CLA) participation in Valentine for the Earth: Libraries for the Planet. The event was more than a celebration; it became a shared commitment to sustainability through practical action and community collaboration.
Morning Session: Green Passion Talks
In the morning session, CamEd Business School students delivered Green Passion talks that brought sustainability to life through personal stories and practical examples. Students who shared included:
- Lim Meyli (Year 2, Group D)
- Nath Solyta (Year 2, Group C)
- Chan Sovannrida (Year 2, Group C)
- Chea Socheata (Year 3, Group DK)
- Tan Seavli (Year 2, Group F)
- Men Roza (Year 3, Group A)
- Van Soheng (Year 3, Group B)
One of the highlights of the day was Green Passions in 400 Seconds, where students courageously presented their sustainable practices, eco-friendly habits, zero-waste ideas, and green hobbies in a dynamic and inspiring format.
Afternoon Session: Librarian Sharing and Sustainable Innovation
In the afternoon session, Cambodian librarians and library leaders shared how libraries are promoting sustainability through technology, digital innovation, and thoughtful policies. Speakers included:
- Mr. Sok Thy, Founder of Eco Bricks and Library Director, National Election Committee
- Ms. Neuy Sopheaneary, Library Leader, Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE)
- Mr. Sath Ratana, Senior Librarian, CamEd Business School
- Mr. Sim Chanbuntith, Senior Librarian, CamEd Business School
- Mr. Ton Sokty, Librarian, Western University
Their reflections highlighted a key message that libraries are more than spaces for knowledge. They are also drivers of sustainable change, supporting communities through innovation, responsible practices, and strong educational leadership.
Interactive Activities
Participants also engaged in hands-on and creative activities throughout the day, including:
- 🌱 AI for a Zero Waste Future Challenge
- 📚 Eco Creativity Showcase
- 💌 Eco Love Notes Wall
- ♻️ Blind Date with Sustainable Love
Appreciation and Closing
CLA is grateful to have supported this collaboration and to help bring together students, librarians, educators, and partners to turn ideas into meaningful action. Nearly 500 participants joined with remarkable energy and shared purpose, proving that sustainability becomes stronger when communities work together.
Special thanks to Heather Hill, Lecturer from CamEd Business School for her sustainability-inspired artwork and to the students who expressed environmental awareness through their canvas creations. We also thank Angalita Meach, Co-President of the CamEd Sustainable Development Club, for connecting the Club with CLA and making this partnership possible.
CLA extends appreciation to CamEd Business School, along with all volunteers, speakers, educators, and participants whose dedication made the event a success.
This experience reaffirmed a key lesson: sustainability does not exist only in policies or theories. It grows through education, creativity, partnership, and consistent small actions taken together.
Ms. Chan Sovannrida
Ms. Chea Socheata
Ms. Lim Meyli
Mr. Men Roza
Ms. Nath Solyta
Ms. Tan Seavli
Mr. Van Soheng
Ms. Neuy Sopheaneary
Mr. Sath Ratana
Mr. Sim Chanbuntith
Mr. Ton Sokty
Mr. Sok Thy
Art Exhibition
Click an artwork to view the full gallery details.