Cambodia Prepares to Host 14th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication

PHNOM PENH — The Ministry of Rural Development is finalizing nationwide preparations to host the 14th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (14th AMRDPE) and its associated high-level sessions in Siem Reap province.

The preparatory roadmap was reviewed during an inter-departmental meeting presided over by H.E. Chrun Theravat, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Rural Development, bringing together senior ministry officials, technical working groups, and regional stakeholders.

Regional Scope and High-Level Delegations

The international gathering will convene key policymakers and regional leaders to advance collaborative poverty alleviation and rural economic development across Southeast Asia:

• Host Destination: Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Key Sessions:
• • 14th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (14th AMRDPE)
  • 21st Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (21st SOMRDPE)
  • Associated ASEAN Plus Three consultations and strategic partner forums
• Participating Delegations: Ministers, senior officials, and technical delegates from all ASEAN Member States, alongside dialogue partner nations and international development organizations.

Strategic Agenda: Digitalization and Sustainable Rural Growth

The ministerial forum will focus on establishing integrated frameworks to bridge urban-rural economic divides and enhance climate resilience in agricultural communities:

• Digital Transformation in Rural Economies: Integrating digital tools, e-commerce access, and smart agriculture technologies to enhance rural productivity and household incomes.
• Community-Based Infrastructure: Expanding access to clean water supply, rural sanitation networks, and durable transport infrastructure.
• Climate Resilience & Social Protection: Strengthening localized social safety nets and disaster risk management frameworks for vulnerable rural populations.
• Knowledge Exchange & Regional Best Practices: Showcasing successful community-driven development models, including Cambodia’s model village programs and self-help community initiatives.

Secretary of State Chrun Theravat urged the organizing sub-committees to ensure seamless logistical coordination, protocol management, security arrangements, and technical readiness to deliver a productive regional forum.

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