Phnom Penh, July 19 — In a significant step toward strengthening Cambodia’s response to climate challenges, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MoWRAM), in partnership with the Australian Government, convened a national consultation workshop on July 17 to advance the design of the Cambodia Climate Resilience Water Governance Programme (CCRWGP).
The event, held in Phnom Penh, brought together more than 170 key stakeholders, including senior officials from government ministries, development partners, civil society organizations, research institutions, and private sector representatives. The workshop marked a major milestone in developing a high-level roadmap to guide water governance reforms that are climate-responsive, inclusive, and aligned with national development priorities.
The CCRWGP is a flagship initiative designed to modernize Cambodia’s water governance system amid growing climate threats, rising water demand, and shifting rainfall patterns. The programme directly supports the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy and long-term vision to attain upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, H.E. Mr. Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, stressed the urgency of adopting a more coordinated and sustainable approach to water resource management.
“Cambodia’s development ambitions depend on our ability to manage water resources sustainably and equitably,” said H.E. Mr. Chetha. “The CCRWGP will provide a modernised and comprehensive framework to guide water governance, integrate inclusive planning, and respond to climate risks that threaten lives, livelihoods, and national progress.”
Australia’s Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Derek Yip, reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s climate and development goals.
“Australia is proud to partner with Cambodia on a programme that places climate resilience, inclusive governance, and local leadership at its core,” Ambassador Yip said. “This initiative reflects our shared priorities and strengthens Cambodia’s capacity to lead on water governance through practical and climate-resilient approaches.”
The CCRWGP’s draft roadmap—developed through extensive consultations in May 2025—focuses on four strategic pillars:
- Modernising National Water Legislation
- Building Capacity and Promoting Inclusive Participation
- Improving Data, Systems, and Risk Management
- Implementing Pilot Projects and Embedded Learning
This flexible framework aims to guide coordinated action across ministries, development agencies, and local communities, addressing existing governance gaps while anticipating future climate pressures.
During the workshop, stakeholders broadly endorsed the draft roadmap and provided constructive input. Key recommendations included accelerating policy and legal reforms, enhancing inter-ministerial coordination, and testing integrated water governance models at the sub-national level.
The consultation underscored the shared commitment to evidence-based policymaking and national ownership. MoWRAM will now incorporate the feedback gathered to finalise the CCRWGP design, with Phase I of implementation slated to begin later this year.
As Cambodia faces intensifying floods, droughts, and water security challenges, the CCRWGP signals a proactive and inclusive approach to safeguarding the country’s water resources. By placing climate resilience and institutional reform at the centre of its strategy, Cambodia is charting a bold path toward sustainable development and regional leadership in climate-smart water governance.
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