The UN in Cambodia and the CDC co-signed the new cooperation framework on November 10. UN IN CAMBODIA
Cambodia and the UN in Cambodia have co-signed the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Cambodia (Cooperation Framework) 2024-2028. The agreement will enable the UN team in the kingdom to support the government in contributing to national development priorities, as articulated in the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I.
The framework, endorsed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, was signed on November 10 at the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) headquarters by Chhieng Yanara, Senior Minister and second vice-chairman of the CDC, and Jo Scheuer, UN resident coordinator.
A total of 60 participants attended the event. They were drawn from relevant government institutions and the UN system in Cambodia, said a UN in Cambodia press release.
“The Cooperation Framework serves as the strategic document that provides guidance to the UN system at the country level, enabling the UN Country Team (UNCT) to effectively support the Royal Government of Cambodia in contributing to national development priorities as articulated in the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I and making significant progress towards the Cambodian Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs), Least Developed Country (LDC) Graduation, and Cambodia’s vision 2050,” it added.
As the next step forwards, it explained that a Joint Steering Committee will be established to monitor the implementation of the cooperation framework. The committee will be co-chaired by Yanara and Scheuer, and will provide strategic direction and coordinate the implementation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Yanara believed that its implementation will make an essential contribution to Cambodia’s socio-economic development and accelerate the achievement of the government’s priorities, as stated phase one of the Pentagonal Strategy.
He commended the past efforts of the UNCT which had achieved significant results, and thanked them for their continued support and close cooperation with the government.
Yanara also affirmed the CDC’s commitment to continuing to cooperate with the UN team and all relevant government institutions, as well as all stakeholders, to ensure the achievement of the stated outcomes which are stipulated in the cooperation framework.
“The Cooperation Framework that we signed today is the architecture through which the vital partnership between the UN and the Royal Government of Cambodia will remain strong and effective. Ultimately, it supports a greener, more prosperous and fairer future for all people in Cambodia, ensuring that no one is left behind as the nation moves forward,” said Scheuer.
The release said the framework marks a significant milestone, but noted that the success of the strategic development policy will require active engagement by government institutions and inclusive partnership with development partners, civil society and the private sector.
It added that its performance will be measured through a robust monitoring and evaluation framework.
“By prioritising these key areas and fostering collaboration, meaningful results can be achieved, while fulfilling the shared vision of progress and development in Cambodia,” the release said.
