On 13 December 2024, the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services – Phase 2 (ACCESS 2) hosted a highly productive “Ways of Working” meeting.
Attended by ACCESS 2 team members, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and key Abt Global Australia representatives, this meeting reinforced the commitment to a more cohesive, transparent, and effective partnership.
The session focused on strengthening the day-to-day working relationship between DFAT, Abt Global Australia, and ACCESS 2. The teams jointly agreed on a refreshed set of guiding principles and practical mechanisms designed to enhance collaboration, boost accountability, and support the program’s strategic objectives. These principles will be revisited annually, ensuring that as the program evolves, so too does the effectiveness and responsiveness of the partnership.
During the meeting, participants openly reflected on previous ways of working, highlighting best practices and identifying opportunities to further streamline decision-making, manage risks, and address emerging issues. By sharing insights and actively engaging in constructive dialogue, all partners reaffirmed their commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and positive results.
The event concluded on a high note, with a group photo capturing smiling faces and a renewed sense of shared purpose. The camaraderie on display is a strong indicator that, moving forward, the partnership will operate with increased synergy, ultimately delivering even greater positive outcomes in 2025 and beyond.
ACCESS 2 is a five-year (2023–2028), AUD 30 million program supported by the Australian Government. Through this collaboration, ACCESS 2 works to improve access to quality, inclusive services for persons with disabilities and survivors of gender-based violence in Cambodia. The strengthened partnership framework established at this meeting sets the stage for a more impactful and sustainable future.
