Cambodia, China & UNICEF Unite for Climate-Resilient Water & Sanitation Services

• Sommana Yan
• 20 March 2025
• Local News
• 1502 Views

In a significant step towards enhancing climate resilience in Cambodia, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, alongside the Ministry of Water Resources of the People’s Republic of China and UNICEF, has launched the “Cambodia Climate Resilient Water and Sanitation Project.” This initiative aims to strengthen water and sanitation services across the country, addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The announcement was made on 17 March 2025, where HE Hem Vandy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasised that this collaboration will play a crucial role in achieving Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals (CSDG) 6.1 and 6.2. These goals target universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation by 2030, with a special focus on supporting women, girls, and vulnerable populations.

Li Guoying, Minister of Water Resources of the People’s Republic of China, affirmed China’s commitment to working with Cambodia and UNICEF to meet the water-related objectives outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. He highlighted the importance of building a cooperative community that shares a common vision for a sustainable future.

According to the recent “Climate Reasons for Water and Sanitation Services in Cambodia” report, approximately 4 million Cambodians depend on these services, which are increasingly threatened by climate-related events like droughts and floods. The new partnership aims to mitigate these risks through a comprehensive, multi-year strategy.

Key initiatives under the project will include improving water quality and sanitation in schools and communities, implementing gravity-based and solar-powered water supply systems to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and incorporating smart technology for efficient monitoring and control of water supply and sanitation systems. Additionally, the project will focus on enhancing accessibility by installing water and sanitation facilities in schools and health centers, particularly benefiting children with disabilities and reducing their need for long journeys to access these vital services.

The Cambodian government’s commitment to this initiative will be supported by technical and financial assistance from the Ministry of Water Resources of China and UNICEF China. With the collaborative efforts of these three partners, Cambodia is set to make significant strides toward a sustainable and resilient future for its water and sanitation services.

• Energy and Environment
• water treatment