From 11 to 13 March 2026, ACCESS 2 brought together provincial leaders and partners in Kampot for a three-day capacity development training focused on strengthening sub-national leadership for inclusive local development. Supported by the Australian Government, the training responded to recommendations from recent Provincial Coordination Committee meetings and aimed to strengthen the practical skills needed to translate policy commitments into effective local action.
The training engaged senior officials and Provincial Coordination Committee members from Kampong Cham, Siem Reap, Kampong Speu and Ratanakiri, alongside Strategic Implementing Partners working across gender-based violence, disability inclusion and physical rehabilitation. Together, participants explored how stronger coordination, better communication and improved planning can help deliver more inclusive services at sub- national level.
Across the three days, participants worked through ten training topics designed to strengthen both technical and professional practice. Sessions covered concept note and proposal development, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and negotiation, Theory of Change, Political Economy Analysis, event management, case study writing and strategic social media use. The training used active learning approaches, including practical exercises and role play, to help participants apply new skills to real world challenges they face in their provinces.
The results showed strong progress. Baseline assessments recorded an average technical proficiency level of 48 per cent across the core modules, rising to 80 per cent by the end of the training. This 32-percentage point increase reflected both the relevance of the content and the strong engagement of participants throughout the workshop.
Government and provincial representatives also highlighted the practical value of the training. Her Excellency Pang Dany, Deputy Provincial Governor, noted that the tools and knowledge gained would help participants work more effectively and better support their communities. Mr Tol Kanal, Deputy Head of the Planning and Investment Unit in Kampong Cham, described the training as the first in his career to cover all ten topics in one program and said he would apply the learning in future Sub-National Administration training.
At the closing ceremony, Sasha Cigljarevic, Deputy Team Leader of ACCESS 2, congratulated the newly certified Master Trainers and recognised the strong ownership shown by provincial administrations. Participants from all four provinces also shared their commitment to applying the tools in their own contexts, including strengthening collaboration, cascading the learning to local teams, and improving inclusive service delivery.
By investing in the leadership and practical skills of sub national actors, ACCESS 2 is helping build stronger systems for inclusive local development. The training marked an important step towards greater provincial ownership, more effective coordination, and better services for communities, including women, people with disabilities and survivors of violence.
ACCESS 2 is funded by the Australian Government and managed by Abt Global.
