UNDP Cambodia

Q2 NEWSLETTER 2026

Of Places and People

Dear Partners, Colleagues, and Friends, The past quarter has been an active period of collective commitment, defined by the work we do alongside our national and international partners to support Cambodia’s sustainable development. Rather than focusing on singular achievements, we view this quarter's milestones as shared steps forward. Together with our partners, we initiated the "Advancing Early Warning for All" project to strengthen climate resilience for vulnerable populations, introduced new guidance on Green, Social, and Sustainability (GSS) bonds to foster responsible investment, and worked closely with the Royal Government of Cambodia to expand development partners' support to the Clearing for Results Phase V. These initiatives represent a quiet, ongoing dedication to systemic improvement. Our policy work, however, is only as meaningful as its impact on the ground. During a recent visit to Battambang Province, we spent time with a family participating in one of our integrated community initiatives. Supported by a modest start-up grant, the wife has established a local micro-business, while her husband is receiving rehabilitation support to regain his independence. Seeing a family quietly focused on building a secure future for their children is a grounding reminder of why we persist in this work. Progress is often gradual, and development challenges are rarely solved overnight. Yet, witnessing these small shifts in household resilience reinforces our commitment to supporting inclusive paths to prosperity. Thank you to all our partners for your continued trust, shared values, and collaboration. We look forward to the work we will continue to share in the months ahead. With my very best wishes,

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Cambodia launches “Advancing Early Warning for All”

Led by the National Committee for Disaster Management, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, in partnership with UNDP and funded by the Green Climate Fund, the “Advancing Early Warning for All” project aims to strengthen early warning systems and help communities better prepare for climate- and weather-related disasters. This project is part of the #EarlyWarningsForAll (EW4All) initiative, supporting the United Nations Secretary-General's goal of ensuring that everyone is protected by effective early warning systems by 2027. Cambodia is one of seven countries participating in the initiative. Read more

SERC and UNDP launch detailed guidance for issuing green, social and sustainability bonds

The Securities and Exchange Regulator (SERC) and UNDP are working together to attract more private investment that supports climate action, social development, and sustainable growth, helping Cambodia continue its development journey as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status. As part of these efforts, we launched the Detailed Guidance for Issuing Green, Social, and Sustainability (GSS) Bonds, an innovative financing tool. Building on the original green bond guidance jointly published by SERC and ADB, this second edition introduces tailored guidance for Social and Sustainability bonds, providing a clearer roadmap for issuing high-integrity thematic bonds. The guidance will help channel private investment toward green, social, and inclusive development priorities in Cambodia. This initiative is supported by the Governments of the United Kingdom and Sweden through the Climate Finance Network Initiative. Read more

Australia and UNDP support recovery and mine action in Cambodia's border-affected communities

The Government of Australia and UNDP signed a Contribution Agreement to support the Royal Government of Cambodia's recovery efforts for families affected by the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict in 2025. The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of CMAA, His Excellency Mr Derek Yip, Ambassador of Australia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and UNDP Resident Representative in Cambodia. Australia's contribution of AUD 1.5 million will be delivered through the Clearing for Results Phase V project, a multi-donor project, which is co-financed by the Governments of Cambodia, Australia, Italy, Luxembourg and New Zealand and implemented by CMAA and UNDP. This support will help release land, deliver Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and provide livelihood assistance to enable the safe return of displaced populations and support socio-economic recovery. Read more

Ministry of Environment, Japan and UNDP join forces to address plastic pollution

Since 2021, the Ministry of Environment, the Government of Japan and UNDP have been working together to support Cambodia's transition towards a more circular economy. Through this partnership, efforts are underway to reduce waste, strengthen waste management systems, promote reuse and recycling, and encourage businesses and communities to adopt more sustainable practices. As part of this collaboration, 3,000 waste bins were handed over under the Improvement of Disposal Capacity of Plastic Litter in Urban Provinces project to support improved waste management in communities across Cambodia.

Ministry of Commerce, Japan and UNDP strengthen ethical and sustainable trade

The Ministry of Commerce, in partnership with UNDP, and with support from the Government of Japan, hosted a two day workshop on Responsible Business Practices in International and Domestic Trade. The workshop brought together representatives from government, private sector, and civil society to strengthen awareness of responsible business practice, deepen understanding of international standard, and support the integration of these principles into national policies and action plans.

Ministry of Tourism and UNDP promote sustainable tourism

Plastic waste is putting Cambodia’s rivers under pressure. From tourism activities to daily consumption, single-use plastics are increasingly polluting waterways, affecting ecosystems, communities, and visitor experiences. In response, the Ministry of Tourism and UNDP, with support from the Coca Cola Foundation, launched a campaign today to reduce plastic pollution, improve waste management, and promote cleaner, more sustainable river tourism. Read more

NCDD-S and UNDP strengthen partnership on climate resilience

H.E Chan Sothea, Secretary of State, Ministry of Interior and Head of the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development Secretariat met with UNDP Resident Representative Enrico Gaveglia to discuss initiatives to strengthen local governance systems that help communities adapt to climate change, reduce disaster risks, and become more resilient.

Ministry of Rural Development and UNDP advance rural development

UNDP Resident Representative and team paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, and his team to discuss opportunities for collaboration in advancing rural development and improving the lives of people across Cambodia. Discussions focused on the Ministry's priorities under the National Policy on Rural Development 2025–2035 and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between UNDP and the Ministry of Rural Development through technical expertise, resource mobilization, and partnership-building in support of Cambodia's development priorities.

Ministry of Justice and UNDP strengthen access to justice

H.E. Koeut Rith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, and UNDP Resident Representative, discussed opportunities to further strengthen the partnership between the Ministry of Justice and UNDP. The discussion focused on expanding access to justice and supporting legal and judicial reforms, in line with the Royal Government of Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy.

Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, National Social Security Fund and UNDP promote responsible investment

In partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and the National Social Security Fund, UNDP delivered a training on Environmental, Social and Governance and Responsible Investment to strengthen responsible investment practices and advance sustainable finance in Cambodia.

Republic of Korea, CMAA and UNDP visit rehabilitation programmes

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, H.E. Kim Changyong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia, and Mr Enrico Gaveglia, UNDP Resident Representative, together with representatives from CMAA, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, KOICA, and UNDP visited the Battambang Physical Rehabilitation Centre and joined an outreach rehabilitation programme in Pursat Province. They met project participants and listened to stories of resilience, determination, and hope from people rebuilding their livelihoods and independence. The visit highlighted the impact of the Clearing for Results Phase IV project, implemented from 2020 to 2025 through a partnership between the Royal Government of Cambodia, UNDP, and development partners, including the Republic of Korea, Australia, Luxembourg, and New Zealand. Through the project, mine survivors and persons with disabilities have gained improved access to rehabilitation services and support to rebuild their lives.

Cambodian and Japanese students learn from community-led development initiatives

Students from the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and the Royal University of Phnom Penh visited UNDP office to learn more about our work with communities across Cambodia. During the session, our team shared how we work with communities to improve livelihoods, build resilience, and protect the environment. Students also learned about our environmental initiatives supported by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, our partnership with the Government of Japan, and internship opportunities at UNDP Cambodia.

Students explore pathways to an inclusive and sustainable economy

Students from BELTEI International University visited UNDP office to learn how we work with the Royal Government of Cambodia to support economic growth while protecting the environment. The session provided an opportunity for our team and the students to exchange ideas on how government, businesses, communities, and young people can work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

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On Screen...

Inside Cambodia's Plastic Value Chain

Cambodia generated 546 kilotonnes of plastic waste in 2022, yet only a small share is properly managed or recycled. To help address this challenge, Cambodia launched the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP Cambodia) in 2023 with the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment, NPAP Cambodia recently launched the Plastic Action Roadmap to reduce plastic pollution and advance on the journey towards circular economy. Follow us through this video series as we explore Cambodia's plastic value chain through the voices and experiences of the people behind it, and imagine a more circular future.

Discover Siem Reap – Teouk Chub Kna Po ecotourism

Walk through Cambodia’s largest freshwater mangrove forest, where sunlight filters through dense green leaves and the air is filled with the sounds of birds and rustling branches. At the heart of the community lies Teouk Chub Lake, a centuries-old lake whose water never runs dry and nourishes the mangroves year-round. Follow the one-kilometer-long wooden bridge into the forest and discover giant trees over 200 years old — protected by the local community. Your visit helps keep this natural treasure alive. Teuk Chob Khnar Po Community Protected Area participated in a knowledge exchange and capacity development project to strengthen community forestry management and explore ecotourism potential through the support of UNDP in Cambodia, UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, and the Government of the Republic of Korea.

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What We Think...

Digital transformation in social protection: Cambodia’s path to inclusive development

Cambodia is at a defining moment in its social protection journey. From the expansion of IDPoor to the rollout of the Digital Social Protection Platform, the Kingdom is building a more inclusive, resilient, and digitally enabled future. As Cambodia prepares for LDC graduation and advances toward Vision 2050, continued investment in digital social protection systems is essential to ensure that every household is visible and every individual has access to the services they deserve. We call on development partners, the private sector, and the international community to join Cambodia in this next phase and strengthen the systems that will protect every Cambodian tomorrow. Read the joint op-ed by Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Secretary-General of the National Social Protection Council, and UNDP Resident Representative.

From crisis response to resilient growth

Cambodia is emerging from one of the most difficult periods in its recent history. The border conflict of 2025 displaced more than 640,000 people and disrupted essential services across several provinces. At the same time, an estimated 900,000 migrants returned from Thailand, many without savings and immediate job prospects. With the right policy choices put in practice with stronger local governance and sustained collaboration, Cambodia can stay on course towards LDC graduation, while advancing a model of inclusive, green and sustainable development. Read the joint op-ed by the UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia, and UNDP Resident Representative & discover the findings of the Socio-economic Impact Assessment of Cambodia–Thailand Border Conflict.

How Cambodia is taking climate action from promise to progress

Cambodia is at a pivotal moment in its development journey. The country is now on a path to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2030. However, protecting this socio-economic gain requires addressing a significant challenge: climate change. With an economy highly dependent on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and the garment industry, Cambodia is among the most vulnerable nations in the world. Estimates suggest that climate impacts could reduce the national GDP by up to 9.8% by 2050. To meet this challenge, the Royal Government of Cambodia is treating climate action as a core development priority. See how

Launch of The Next Great Divergence

The Office of the Council of Ministers and UNDP co-hosted a high-level roundtable to discuss findings from UNDP’s latest regional report, The Next Great Divergence, and the practical application of its AI-powered multidimensional vulnerability mapping, including monetary, non-monetary, and climate hazards. The dialogue explored how Cambodia can harness AI and data integration to advance human development, reduce inequality, and prepare for an increasingly digital future, while addressing risks that could widen development gaps.

Preliminary assessment: Military escalation in the Middle East: Human development impacts across Asia and the Pacific

South Asia accounts for the largest losses due to ongoing Middle East military escalation. The loss roughly US$65 billion to US$183 billion, equivalent to 1.3 to 3.6 percent of regional GDP. Around 8.8 million people across 14 countries are at risk of falling into poverty due to ongoing Middle East military escalation, with over 5 million in Iran alone, where the poverty rate could rise from 36 to 41.5 percent. Read the full assessment and watch UN Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja's interview with CNA

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