Phnom Penh: On October 2, 2023, Her Excellency Khiev Bory, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation, led a delegation from her ministry to a significant high-level workshop. This workshop was dedicated to reviewing and approving the cooperation program between the Royal Government of Cambodia and UNICEF. The program is set to span five years, from 2024 to 2028.

Under the able leadership of H.E. Bin Trachhey, Minister of Planning, and Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia, and the active participation of multiple ministries and institutions. These include the Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, Council for Agricultural and Rural Development, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Social Affairs Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Cults and Religions, Ministry of Justice, National Social Protection Council, and the Cambodian National Council for Children. Additionally, a total of 110 representatives from development partners and NGOs are involved in this effort.

For the upcoming five-year plan (2024-2028), UNICEF has committed to championing the rights of women and children in Cambodia. This commitment aligns with supporting the Royal Government’s initial phase of the Pentagon Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

Furthermore, UNICEF will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of sectoral plans, which encompass endeavors such as eradicating violence against children, addressing child labor, ensuring access to education at all levels for children, tackling climate change, and promoting health, nutrition, and social assistance in accordance with the National Social Protection Policy Framework for 2016-2025. This collaborative effort aims to bring about positive change for the well-being and future prospects of Cambodian women and children.