The Australian Government, through ACCESS 2, continues to strengthen collaboration with sub national authorities to improve the quality of services for people with disability, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), and Indigenous communities.
In January 2026, ACCESS 2 collaborated with the Provincial Administrations of Siem Reap, Ratanakiri, Kampong Cham, and Kampong Speu to host biannual Provincial Coordination Committee (PCC) meetings. These sessions brought together PCC members, including Organisations of People with Disabilities (OPDs) and Indigenous organisations, alongside Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs), the Australian Embassy, and the ACCESS 2 team to review progress, share lessons learned, and strengthen coordination across stakeholders.
The meetings also included field visits, enabling stakeholders to observe progress firsthand, identify remaining challenges, and explore ways for ACCESS 2 to continue improving service delivery.
Discussion and commitment
Participants provided inputs on strengthening collaboration between partners and sub national authorities, while reviewing key progress across GBV, disability inclusion, and rehabilitation workstreams.
Perspectives from provincial leaders and the donor
Siem Reap: His Excellency Nak Neron, Deputy Provincial Governor, reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening service delivery and intersectoral collaboration across Siem Reap.
Ratanakiri: Her Excellency Nhean Tith Chenda, Deputy Provincial Governor, expressed her gratitude for the valuable contributions from participants, noting progress in mainstreaming inclusion into provincial priorities.
Kampong Cham: Her Excellency Pang Dany, Deputy Provincial Governor, highlighted the commitment to stronger coordination and collaboration with key partners, including stakeholders, SIPs, the ACCESS 2 team, and sub national administrations, to strengthen local ownership and leadership for long term sustainability.
Kampong Speu: Her Excellency Kea Sophou, Deputy Provincial Governor, reflected on progress over the past semester across three core areas, disability inclusion and rehabilitation, GBV, and decentralisation, and noted the achievements despite challenges encountered.
Ms Sothearoth Hel, Portfolio Leader at the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, emphasised the importance of provincial coordination mechanisms in advancing joint workplans, promoting intersectoral collaboration, and ensuring programming responds to local needs and provincial priorities.
Conclusion and next steps
The PCC meetings concluded with a strong sense of commitment, providing a vital platform for stakeholders to address progress, challenges, and recommendations.
ACCESS 2 also outlined preparations for the upcoming Mid Term Review (MTR), which will require close cooperation from SIPs and sub national partners. A central theme was the transition toward local ownership and leadership, with a focus on ensuring provincial teams have the leadership and capacity to sustain initiatives over time.
