Date: 22 August 2025
Venue: Phnom Penh
With support from Australia, ACCESS2 Steering Committee (ASC) convened its second meeting, co-chaired by the Australian Embassy’s Development Counsellor with the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) counterparts represented by the Ministry of Health. The forum brought together government, partners and stakeholders to advance Cambodia’s priorities on gender-based violence (GBV) response, disability inclusion, and rehabilitation.
Objectives
- Highlight ACCESS 2 Achievements: Share major outcomes and progress achieved during Year 2 of the program.
- Reflect on Lessons Learnt: Review key lessons, ongoing risks, and challenges, and agree on mitigation actions to further strengthen delivery.
- Endorsement: Facilitate endorsement of the Year 2 Progress and Achievements 2024-2025 and Year 3 Annual Workplan (July 2025 to June 2026).
Who was in the room
The meeting was attended by government representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the Disability Action Council, the Ministry of Interior, and the National Committee for Subnational Democratic Development Secretariat; Strategic Implementing Partners, including ACCESS 2 partners leading work on GBV, disability inclusion, and rehabilitation; Provincial Administration, including the Chairs of Provincial Coordination Committees from four target provinces; and representatives from the Australian Embassy (DFAT) and the ACCESS 2 program.
Discussion and commitment
Members shared lessons, set strategic direction, and endorsed the 2025–26 Annual Workplan to ensure ACCESS 2’s progress is aligned with government objectives.
Impression by Ms Kirsty Harris, Development Counsellor, Australian Embassy in Cambodia, and Co-Chair:
Australia is proud to support the ACCESS 2 program, a vital initiative that contributes to strengthening gender-based violence response, disability inclusion, rehabilitation and social protection for some of Cambodia’s most vulnerable populations. We are committed to working closely with the Royal Government of Cambodia and all stakeholders to ensure the program’s objectives are achieved effectively and sustainably.
His Excellency Dr Ngov Kang, Secretary of State, MoH and Co-Chair:
H.E. expressed gratitude to the Australian Government for its support and collaboration in partnership with the RGC, which has contributed to increasing the participation of stakeholders, including representatives of beneficiaries and professional associations. This partnership helps ensure that services provided to persons with disabilities, survivors of GBV, and indigenous communities are high-quality, accessible, equitable, and free from financial hardship.
Key Decisions and next steps
- The meeting reviewed and endorsed Year 2key achievements.
- Discussed key challenges and agreed on suitable mitigation measures.
- Endorsed the annual workplan for Year 3, 2025–26 Annual Workplan.
With continued leadership and commitment from the Steering Committee, ACCESS 2 is working to support and alignment of the program with the priorities RGC towards a more inclusive society for all.
