Background
The Australia–Cambodia ACP4Climate program is an Australian government investment to support climate resilience and water resources governance in Cambodia. The program will be implemented in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia and coordinated by the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology. ACP4Climate is designed to support implementation of the “Roadmap for climate-resilient water resources governance in Cambodia (2026–2030)” and align with the government’s stated first-stage strategy for water resources planning.
Program activities will focus on institutional capacity building, strengthening national and subnational coordination mechanisms, and evidence-based master planning to improve flood and drought resilience of water resources. The initiative will integrate gender, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles into planning and implementation processes for water resource management.
Key Developments
The ACP4Climate program was formally launched in Phnom Penh at the Sun and Moon Riverside Hotel on 21 May 2026. The event was presided over by H.E. Thao Chea Jetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, with Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, representing Australia. Representatives from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs attended, including Mrs. Sivannabotum in her role as Secretary of State responsible for gender and climate change and as chair of the coordinating committee, accompanied by technical staff from the Directorate of Social Development.
Institutional Role
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology will lead coordination of ACP4Climate at the national level, working in partnership with relevant ministries and subnational authorities. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is engaged to ensure gender and social inclusion considerations are mainstreamed into program design and capacity-building activities.
Operational Implications
Planned activities emphasize capacity strengthening at institutional levels, improved inter-agency coordination, and use of scientific data to guide master planning for water resources. The stated operational aim is to promote equitable water resource management practices that address extreme events such as floods and droughts while incorporating environmental and social safeguards.
Source
Ministry of Women’s Affairs Facebook post, 21 May 2026: https://www.facebook.com/mowa.gov.kh/posts/pfbid028QJz2DwPAfRktXzLucdz8WWvhwHh5Wztfxvt2FkgjTD9fH2634doNNpPx6CcraWTl
