Under the Australian Government’s support through the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services – Phase 2 (ACCESS 2) program, the Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) serves as a critical governance mechanism. Convened every six months in ACCESS 2’s three target provinces, the PCC reviews achievements, addresses challenges, mitigates risks, and provides strategic guidance to align program implementation with provincial priorities.
On 9 January 2025, the second PCC meeting for Kampong Speu was held at the Provincial Hall, co-chaired by H.E. Long Bonareth, Deputy Provincial Governor responsible for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Disability Inclusion (DI), and Ms. Sophia Cason, ACCESS 2 Team Leader. The meeting brought together representatives from the PCC Secretariat, ACCESS 2 team members, Strategic Implementation Partners, and key provincial departments.
Objectives of the Meeting
The meeting was structured around four core objectives:
- Dissemination of Updates: Sharing updates on the establishment of the PCC, including the roles and responsibilities of its members.
- Progress Monitoring: Reviewing the progress and performance of the provincial work plan.
- Feedback Gathering: Soliciting recommendations from PCC members on GBV, DI, and rehabilitation to strengthen the action plan’s implementation.
- Program Promotion: Orienting PCC members and driving the execution of collaborative programs, ensuring timely achievement of PCC Plan Indicators.
Key Highlights
During the opening session, H.E. Long Bonareth announced a new decision amending the PCC member composition. This decision, approved by H.E. Dr. Cheam Chansophoan, Kampong Speu Provincial Governor, provides clarity on roles and responsibilities, further enhancing coordination for ACCESS 2 program implementation.
Representatives from the Department of Women’s Affairs (PDoWA) and the Secretariat of the Disability Action Council (DAC) delivered updates on key achievements, challenges, and proposed solutions. They outlined actionable plans for the next six months (January–June 2025), focusing on improving service delivery and addressing systemic barriers.
A representative of the Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) raised an important recommendation to include Cambodian Sign Language translators to better support GBV survivors with hearing impairments and persons with intellectual disabilities in accessing essential services.
Acknowledgments and Appreciation
Ms. Sophia Cason commended H.E. Long Bonareth for his leadership in advancing disability inclusion across sectors, accelerating disability identification, and strengthening rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities. She also expressed appreciation for PDoWA’s contributions to GBV prevention, particularly during the successful 16-Day Campaign, as well as their commitment to GBV coordination and service response.
Ms. Cason extended her gratitude to the provincial authorities and ACCESS 2 partners for their collaborative efforts in delivering improved services for GBV survivors and persons with disabilities in Kampong Speu.
A Path Forward
The meeting concluded with vibrant discussions and valuable input from participants, underscoring the collaborative spirit and commitment to the program’s goals. The PCC reaffirmed its dedication to driving ACCESS 2 initiatives at the sub-national level, ensuring sustainable outcomes that align with both the program’s Intermediate and End of Investment Outcomes.
The outcomes of this meeting will inform continued efforts to strengthen the ACCESS 2 governance framework, addressing GBV and DI challenges while enhancing the quality of services for vulnerable populations in Kampong Speu.
