Australia and Cambodia continue to strengthen their joint commitment to fostering accountable, inclusive, and self-reliant governance at sub-national levels through the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services – Phase 2 (ACCESS 2). This partnership specifically enhances the capacity of Cambodian provincial and local governance structures to deliver equitable, inclusive, and sustainable services, particularly benefiting persons with disabilities and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Recent reflection workshops held in Kampong Speu, Kampong Cham, and Siem Reap facilitated meaningful dialogue among Provincial Coordination Committees (PCCs) and ACCESS 2 Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs). These sessions were designed to review achievements, exchange experiences, and collaboratively identify practical strategies for improved coordination and service delivery at the sub-national level.
The workshops underscored the critical role that enhanced collaboration plays in elevating service quality, promoting inclusivity, and empowering local authorities and communities to drive sustainable and impactful change.
Workshop Objectives and Outcomes
By participating in the reflection workshops, stakeholders:
- Gained deeper insights into the direct link between effective community engagement, inclusive partnerships, and sustainable development outcomes.
- Identified and analysed key challenges and opportunities in coordinating local implementations of gender and disability inclusion policies.
- Developed actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of decentralisation strategies for inclusive governance.
- Strengthened partnerships between local governments, civil society organisations, and international development actors.
Voices of Provincial Leadership
During the workshops, provincial leaders expressed strong support for ACCESS 2’s impact:
- H.E. Long Bonareth, Deputy Provincial Governor of Kampong Speu, noted that “ACCESS 2 has significantly boosted government ownership and improved service delivery, creating a robust framework for addressing gender and disability-related challenges.”
- H.E. Pang Dany, Deputy Provincial Governor of Kampong Cham, commended the initiative as “an exemplary model demonstrating how inclusive partnerships among government, development partners, NGOs, and the private sector foster local ownership and effectively respond to community priorities.”
- In Siem Reap, H.E. Manny Raingsey and H.E. Nak Neron, Deputy Provincial Governors and PCC Co-chairs, highlighted the importance of establishing a PCC Secretariat Mechanism. This mechanism aims to significantly enhance coordination, local ownership, and data-driven monitoring, crucial for informed decision-making and targeted interventions.
ACCESS 2’s SIPs actively contributed valuable insights during discussions, affirming the importance of ongoing collaborative efforts to enhance coordination and service effectiveness.
Field Visits: Bridging Policy and Practice
Workshop participants also undertook field visits to ACCESS 2-supported project sites. These visits provided tangible evidence of the program’s positive impacts and facilitated direct interactions with service providers and community members. Such engagements deepened understanding of community-level needs, opportunities, and challenges, thereby bridging the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation.
Australia’s Commitment to Locally Driven Governance
Ms. Hel Sothearoth, Portfolio Leader for Development Cooperation at the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, reaffirmed Australia’s continued support:
“Decentralisation is fundamental to achieving inclusive development. By bringing decision-making closer to communities, sub-national administrations are better positioned to respond effectively and inclusively, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Looking Ahead
The reflection workshops concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and shared determination to enhance sub-national coordination mechanisms. Stakeholders committed to implementing practical recommendations and intensifying multi-stakeholder collaboration, further advancing inclusive and accountable governance throughout Cambodia.
