Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction secretary of state Pen Sophal speaks at the Cambodia Urban Forum. HEAN RANGSEY
The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, in cooperation with UN Cambodia, held the Cambodia Urban Forum for the first time on Wednesday to identify priorities towards smart, sustainable and inclusive urban development in Cambodia.
The forum’s information report said the event covered discussions about the current urban status in Cambodia and key priorities and trends in urban development, as well as an exchange of experiences and knowledge in sustainable urban development.
“The sharing of knowledge and experience on urban planning is a foundation for discussion at policy level among stakeholders with regard to the latest development status and urban expansion, focusing on key trends and main issues, good solutions and implementation,” the report said.
The ministry’s secretary of state Pen Sophal said the Kingdom is urbanising at an unprecedented rate, with it becoming a core pillar in improving the Cambodian economy.
Over the past five years, the country had recorded investment in the construction sector of around $28 million – 33.76 per cent higher than that from 2010 to 2015.
Sophal said: “This forum is on a very important topic, with presentations made by national and international guest speakers who have knowledge and experience, and the participation of shareholders from the public and private sectors, civil society, development partners, professionals and students.”
UN resident coordinator Pauline Tamesis said during the forum that stakeholders shared a common aspiration – to help identify key urban priorities towards a Cambodian vision of smart, sustainable and inclusive urban development.
She said the management of urban development can help Cambodia become a high-income country, as per its goal, in a sustainable manner.
Tamesis also expressed hope that the forum would be a starting point for Cambodia and relevant parties to jointly move forward.
She said that on Tuesday the UN team met with Minister Chea Sophara, where he expressed strong support to continue the collaboration between the UN and urban stakeholders in Cambodia.
