Cambodia & Cooperation: MoUs signed to advance sustainable infrastructure development in Cambodia

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three key ministries of the Royal Government of Cambodia - the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI), the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), and the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction (MLMUPC).

These partnerships reinforce Cambodia’s vision of sustainable, inclusive infrastructure and development as it progresses toward becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050, stated a press release issued on Jan. 21

This strategic collaboration highlights the impressive achievements of the Royal Government of Cambodia in infrastructure, urban planning, and innovation and aims to strengthen further its efforts to ensure development benefits reach all communities.

Over recent years, Cambodia has demonstrated remarkable progress aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), under the leadership of the Royal Government. Cambodia’s infrastructure journey is a testament to the government’s dedication to advancing sustainable development, said Ms. Eda Kraja, UNOPS Country Manager in Cambodia.

“Through these partnerships, UNOPS is proud to support the vision and leadership of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction, and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation in driving sustainable, climate-resilient development,” she said.

The MoUs with the three ministries will prioritise providing technical assistance and strengthening institutional capacity, setting the stage for future collaborative efforts. The agreements emphasise collaboration on the following priorities:

• Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI): Fostering the adoption of green technologies and addressing climate change adaptation for water and sanitation infrastructures.

• Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT): Enhancing resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems and promoting efficient and inclusive transport networks.

• Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction (MLMUPC): Advancing sustainable urban development, addressing environmental challenges to benefit rural and urban communities alike.

Access to clean water is not only a fundamental human right but also vital to public health, socio-economic growth, and environmental sustainability, said H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.

“This collaboration is a model for how targeted investments can drive transformative change, especially for vulnerable communities,” he added.

H.E. Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, said through visionary initiatives like the CITLS 2023-2033 and advancements in urban planning, Cambodia has laid a strong foundation for progress. “Our partnerships with UNOPS will bring technical expertise and capacity-building support, enabling infrastructure investments to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for all Cambodians,” he said.

H.E. Ros Salin, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, said the ministry is ready to collaborate on technical support directly from UNOPS or under the framework of South-South cooperation, North-South cooperation, or jointly preparing projects between UNOPS and the ministry.

“This collaboration will support the implementation of the Ministry’s 15 policy priorities, including sustainable urban development, affordable housing, and smart cities,” he said.