UNICEF and World Vision have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at improving the lives of Cambodia’s most vulnerable children. 

The collaboration, set to run from 2024 to 2027, focuses on addressing critical issues affecting the youth through a multisectoral approach that includes health and nutrition, education, child protection and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

The partnership builds on the long-standing global relationship between the two organisations. 

UNICEF, which works in over 190 countries and territories, reaching the world’s most disadvantaged children, and World Vision, a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation, have both played pivotal roles in the country’s child welfare efforts. 

Their shared vision to uplift the nation’s youth has now converged in a formal alliance aimed at creating sustainable and far-reaching impact.

UNICEF representative in Cambodia Will Parks expressed confidence in the potential of the collaboration, signed with World Vision on September 16. 

“UNICEF and World Vision share a long history of impactful cooperation, both globally and in Cambodia, to ensure safe environments for children and youth,” said Parks. 

“I am confident this partnership will strengthen our joint efforts in supporting national and local authorities to deliver essential health and nutrition care, clean water and sanitation and quality education to the most vulnerable children in Cambodia,” he added.

World Vision Cambodia national director Janes Imanuel Ginting highlighted how their grassroots focus complements UNICEF’s efforts at the national level. 

“This agreement represents a significant step in enhancing cooperation between child well-being stakeholders,” said Ginting. 

“While UNICEF focuses on strengthening systems at the national level, World Vision engages directly with communities, creating a bridge that ensures sustainable development from the ground up,” he added.

One key focus of the partnership will be improving health and nutrition services, particularly in Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces. 

Both organisations plan to bolster community involvement in health initiatives, ensuring access to nutritious food for children. 

Another central component of the collaboration is education, where the “Nurturing Care Group” approach will be used to enhance early childhood learning and promote the inclusion of children with disabilities.

“The partnership also aims to strengthen child protection efforts by supporting the rollout of Cambodia’s child protection standard operating procedures,” according to a joint statement. 

Training will be provided to equip frontline workers with the tools to identify and manage cases of violence against children.

Additionally, both organisations will continue their extensive work in water, sanitation and hygiene, with the goal of achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. 

The effort will build on the organisations' previous successes in upgrading water systems and building sanitation facilities in schools and health centres.

As co-leaders of Cambodia’s WASH Cluster Humanitarian Country Team, UNICEF and World Vision have been instrumental in tackling the country’s water and sanitation challenges. 

“In a country where access to clean water remains a pressing issue, both organisations have worked tirelessly to improve water security, reduce stunting and combat waterborne diseases, particularly in rural areas,” said the joint statement. 

Their combined WASH efforts have already benefited hundreds of thousands of families across Cambodia, with significant strides made in hygiene education and the promotion of sustainable WASH practices.

The collaboration will also extend into strategic advocacy, with both organisations continuing their work as active members of Cambodia’s Children’s Rights Alliance. 

Their advocacy efforts aim to influence policy discussions on child rights, helping to create a more coordinated approach to improving the welfare of youth across the country.