Recently, we held the first Provincial Coordination Committee (PCC) meeting in Ratanakiri, co-chaired by Her Excellency Nhean Tith Chenda, Deputy Provincial Governor, and Ms Sophia Cason, ACCESS 2 Team Leader, alongside representatives from sub-national government, Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs) such as CARE, TPO, PAfID, and CARE’s subgrantees—Highlander Association (HA) and Conserve Indigenous Peoples Language (CIPL)—as well as the ACCESS 2 team.”
Prior to the PCC meeting, the co-chairs and members visited a new established counseling room located in Lomchor Commune, O Yadav District, and met beneficiaries at the commune level to learn about key priorities related to gender-based violence (GBV) and disability inclusion (DI).
The PCC meeting announced the memorandum of agreement signed between the Provincial Government and the ACCESS 2 program,introduced PCC members and the Terms of Reference, reviewed ACCESS 2 progress, and endorsed the Ratanakiri joint workplan.
Discussion and commitment
Participants provided numerous inputs on the workplan, including suggestions that helped clarify how the joint workplan was formulated. Members also discussed the implementation and effectiveness of the social protection program for persons with disabilities, as well as GBVservice provision.
- Voice from Ms Sophia Cason
“This first meeting demonstrates a significant milestone, marking the deepening collaboration between Ratanakiri’s provincial authorities and the ACCESS 2 program.”
- Voice from H.E Nhean Tith Chenda
“I am very pleased to co-chair this important meeting alongside Ms Sophia Cason. Today marks a significant milestone—after much preparation, Ratanakiri’s PCC is finally established, thanks to the strong collaboration and support from ACCESS 2 and CARE.”
Key Decisions and next steps
- PCC endorsed the Joint Workplan (July 2025 – June 2026).
- PCC agreed to formulate the PCC Executive Team.
- CARE will work with PCC members to propose a list of executive team members for the governor’s approval.
This meeting not only symbolised the official commencement of the PCC but also aligned with ACCESS 2’s goal of delivering higher-quality GBV and disability services to in a timely manner. It also supports national and sub-national policies and planning processes that respond to the priorities of GBV survivors and persons with disabilities.
