In motion
Dear Partners, Colleagues, and Friends, the year 2026 is moving quickly in a world facing multiple challenges, from human security and climate pressures to economic uncertainty. At the same time, it reminds us of the importance of working together. As we close the first quarter, I am pleased to share progress made alongside the Royal Government of Cambodia and our partners, with a focus on strengthening social protection, supporting community-based ecotourism, unlocking climate finance, reducing plastic pollution, and advancing mine action. And while our multilateral system is under pressure, across Cambodia we keep working head down turning commitments into development, providing practical solutions that support communities, protect ecosystems, and improve lives. We are grateful to those who are enabling our joint work and keep sharing the pride to work alongside the United Nations in our continued support to Cambodia. Enjoy reading.
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Art Competition: Climate Action
Check out this collection of thought‑provoking artwork illustrating climate issues and solutions from artists whose pieces are now displayed at the UNDP Cambodia office, turning our walls into a call for climate action. UNDP’s work on climate action is possible thanks to generous support to our head quarter core from Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Farmers in Pursat Champion Climate-Smart Agriculture with Czech Expertise
Come with us to Pursat Province, where H.E. Markéta Kolc Hájková, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Cambodia; Mr. Enrico Gaveglia, UNDP Resident Representative; and Ms. Gracia Wenas, Programme Lead at ADRA Cambodia, met with farmers who are turning agricultural waste into income. Hear from them
Policy Brief Launch: Dollarization and Its Effects in the Garment, Footwear, and Travel Goods and Bag Sector
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and UNDP launched a policy brief titled “Dollarization and Its Effects in the Garment, Footwear, and Travel Goods and Bag Sector in Cambodia.” H.E. Yim Leat, Deputy Governor of NBC, said, “I highly value and express my sincere appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme for its significant contribution in supporting the research and the policy measure recommendations aimed at strengthening the role of the Khmer Riel in maintaining macroeconomic stability and supporting sustainable economic development.” Mr. Enrico Gaveglia, UNDP Resident Representative, said, “While the influx of Official Development Assistance in the 1990s contributed to dollarization, the time has come to commit to Cambodia’s de-dollarization efforts, and UNDP will remain active in a wider use of the Khmer Riel in its own operations and calls on other development partners to follow suit in and outside the UN system.”
Advancing Social Protection through Digitalization
UNDP is pleased to work alongside the National Social Protection Council, the Ministry of Planning and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation to support digital registration and better data management for social protection services. From the handover of digital equipment in Prey Veng Province, the national programme will expand to 12 additional provinces, bringing more Cambodians into the care of social protection. Watch an interview with H.E. Chan Narith, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Secretary General of the National Social Protection Council, and Mr. Enrico Gaveglia, discussing the importance of digitalizing social protection.
UNDP and GIZ Partner to Strengthen Climate-Responsive Social Protection
UNDP and GIZ have joined forces to strengthen social protection systems that help communities in Cambodia cope with the impacts of climate change. The partnership focuses on supporting a green transition and advancing practical solutions for a greener local economy. By combining expertise and working closely together, UNDP and GIZ are strengthening synergies to build resilience among communities most vulnerable to climate risks.
Advancing Sustainable Investment in Social Protection
H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, had a meeting with Mr. Enrico Gaveglia, to review progress on two strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Cambodia’s social protection system. The discussions focused on efforts to diversify pension fund investments to support long-term growth in retirement savings, as well as to promote investments aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. These initiatives build on a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 9 December 2025, reinforcing the shared commitment to strengthening financial sustainability and advancing responsible investment practices in Cambodia. Read more on Khmer Times
Unlocking Climate Finance
The Ministry of Environment, with support from UNDP and other partners, is developing a REDD+ Results-Based Payment proposal to the Green Climate Fund, which provides funding based on verified results such as reduced deforestation and emissions. A national consultation workshop was convened, bringing together stakeholders from government ministries, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, NGOs, and gender groups to advance the proposal and help secure resources for climate action, forest conservation, and sustainable development.
Towards a Circular Plastic Economy
Cambodia launched the Plastic Action Roadmap titled: “Journey Towards a Circular Plastic Economy.” The roadmap is a result of a collaborative effort coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and UNDP under Global Plastic Action Partnership – the world’s largest multistakeholder initiative on plastic pollution, spanning 25 country partnerships, and hosted by World Economic Forum. Press Release
Plastic Waste Management
Hear from UNDP Environmental Programme Specialist, Ahmed Shifaz, and the TONTOTON Project Manager, Loemchou Say, as they share insights on our partnership with informal waste collectors and local communities to improve plastic waste management.
Launch of the Clearing for Results Phase V Project
The Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and UNDP convened the first Project Board meeting of Clearing for Results Phase V, marking the official launch of the project and renewing commitments to free Cambodia from landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). The Project Board approved the 2026 Annual Work Plan, which prioritizes landmine and ERW clearance, victim assistance, livelihood support, and the strengthening of national capacity to ensure lasting impact. We extend our sincere thanks to CMAA leadership; project donors Italy, Luxembourg and the Ministry of Economy and Finance; the People with Disabilities Foundation; and long-standing partners supporting mine action in Cambodia, including Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea, for their continued support.
A Safer Harvest, New Economic Opportunities
In a rural village in Battambang, Mean Hing, 43, now begins his mornings in the rice fields without the fear that once shaped daily life for his family. When he moved his family to Kouk Roka village in 2000, hidden landmines made farming dangerous and uncertain. That changed with mine clearance efforts under the Clearing for Results Phase IV project supported by the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Government of Australia, the Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, New Zealand, and UNDP. “After the mine clearance, we no longer have to worry about the dangers like before, and we were able to grow rice, cassava, and cashew nuts,” Mean said. He explained that as more land became safe, he expanded his rice fields, increasing production over time. Read more.
Cambodia Advances National Foresight
The New Economy Department of the General Department of Policy of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and UNDP brought together partners and stakeholders to discuss the deployment of foresight tools for adaptive decision-making. This will contribute to the preparation of a National Foresight Study as part of the implementation of Cambodia’s National Foresight Roadmap. UNDP looks forward to engaging in the ecosystem of practice and bringing the learning from its service line active across regions and countries.
Study Visit to Singapore on Digital Identity Systems
UNDP, in collaboration with Vital Strategies, supported the General Department of Identification of the Ministry of Interior to undertake a study visit to Singapore. The visit provided an opportunity to learn from Singapore’s experience and best practices in designing and implementing the National Digital Identity system. The insights gained will help inform the implementation of Cambodia’s National Strategic Plan of Identification (2026–2035).
Japanese University Students Visit
UNDP welcomed a group of students from the University of Kitakyushu, Japan, to the UNDP office as part of their field study programme. During the visit, UNDP team engaged in discussions with the students on the partnership between UNDP and the Government of Japan in supporting Cambodia’s efforts to improve public service delivery and advance environmental sustainability, including innovative solutions to plastic waste.
Prek KongKang Ecotourism Community, Koh Rong
A hidden gem on Koh Rong, the Prek KongKang Ecotourism Community invites visitors to explore Cambodia’s mangroves and rich biodiversity. With support from Australia, the Global Environment Facility, and UNDP, the community offers sustainable ecotourism experiences that protect nature while supporting local livelihoods. Watch
Chroy Svay Coastal Fishing Community, Koh Kong
UNDP and the Global Environment Facility are supporting the Chroy Svay coastal fishing community in Koh Kong Province to protect mangroves and fisheries resources. In this video, UNDP Small Grants National Coordinator, Navirak, and Community Fishery Committee Leader Limheang take us through the coastal fishing community. Watch
Cambodia’s Forests: A Living Lifeline for People, Nature and the Economy
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Environment, FAO, UNDP, WCS, and RECOFTC are working together to strengthen the capacity of government institutions and communities to conserve and sustainably manage biodiversity-rich forests through the Community Action for Sustainable Forests (CASFor) project, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. Read more on Cambodianess
When the Water Rises
Flooding is a yearly reality along Cambodia’s Mekong River. In Kratie Province, rising water interrupts work, damages homes, and forces families to prepare quickly as the rainy season returns. In earlier years, preparations often started once flooding was already underway. For Commune Council Member Ven Savin, preparation now begins earlier. In 2023, she joined training under a climate resilience project implemented by Cambodia’s National Committee for Disaster Management and UNDP, with support from the Republic of Korea. The training introduced practical ways to organize preparedness, coordinate local responses, and support vulnerable families before and during emergencies. “Before the training, I didn’t feel confident about how to help during floods,” Savin said. “Now I know how to prepare the community before the water arrives.” Read more
Strengthening Early Warning Systems
In preparation for the start of the Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) project, the UNDP team conducted site feasibility assessments in four provinces, Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, and Banteay Meanchey, to evaluate the feasibility of various constructions and installations, including evacuation centers, Automatic Weather Stations, lightning detection systems, and water ATMs (community clean drinking water stations that provide safe and affordable water).
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Publications
Dollarization and Its Effects in the Garment, Footwear, and Travel Goods and Bag Sector in Cambodia
The report suggests practical steps to encourage greater use of the riel, including digital wage payments, expanded spending options in riel, improved financial literacy, and flexible wage currency choices.
Journey Towards a Circular Plastic Economy
The roadmap presents a System Change Scenario for 2040, under which Cambodia could achieve a 74% reduction in plastic pollution, a 40% decrease in plastic‑related emissions, 37% cost savings for the government, and the creation of 26,000 new green jobs.
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