Joint Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Fund: Transforming Food Systems to Become More Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient in Cambodia

The joint programme in Cambodia is structured around three core outputs: enhancing capacities and frameworks for food system improvements, expanding sustainable financial solutions, and developing impactful advocacy strategies. The first Joint Programme (JP) Steering Committee Meeting was held under the leadership of His Excellency Ouk Rabun, Senior Minister and Chairman of the Council of Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD), and co-chaired by Mr Joseph Scheuer, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for the Kingdom of Cambodia. The meeting also included Ms Rebekah Bell, FAO Representative in Cambodia; Dr Wills Park, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia; and Ms Claire Conan, Representative and Country Director of WFP in Cambodia.

In his opening remarks, HE Ouk Rabun emphasized the importance of partnerships, stating, “The success of the Joint Programme depends very much on the strength of the partnerships involved.  There is a strong partnership between the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development and the United Nations organizations involved. This partnership has grown since the creation of CARD, and extended beforehand, in the relationships between the UN organizations and the many line ministries which are represented in the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development.  The donors and other agencies present are also important to us, not just for their role in this Steering Committee, but because of the longstanding and critical support they have provided for food systems, food security and nutrition.”

Mr Joseph Scheuer highlighted the collaborative efforts under the Joint Programme, saying, “Improving food systems is crucial for reaching our development goals, boosting fair economic growth, and preparing for future challenges. With the Joint Programme, we're working to support investments in economic and nutritional outcomes and empower leaders to make effective policies. By an inclusive approach, we can achieve lasting prosperity, healthier diets, and equitable development for all.”

The programme is designed to implement policies that ensure children and adolescents, especially those in hard-to-reach areas, have access to nutritious food while empowering them to make healthier choices and embrace positive practices. The Steering Committee, as the governing body of the Joint Programme, provides strategic oversight, guidance, and accountability for results. The committee reviewed and endorsed programme documents and discussed key roles and considerations for management and implementation during the meeting.

FAO shared updates highlighting ongoing efforts and progress within the programme. Key developments include revisions to the Cambodia Food Systems Roadmap (FSRM), which is underway, along with the preparation of a detailed FSRM Action Plan and Financing Strategy, which is under development. Consultations with stakeholders, including national, sub-national, and youth groups, are ongoing, and their inputs are being integrated. On National Nutrition Day in November 2024, the programme launched its activities, and regular partner meetings ensured coordination and progress. The committee also reviewed and approved a draft outlining its purpose and functions; endorsed the 2024 Annual Report; and approved the 2025 Programme of Work presented by CARD, setting the roadmap for the coming year.

In his closing remarks, HE Ouk Rabun mentioned, “CARD will continue to support the work through the Technical Working Group for Food Security and Nutrition, through the network of Provincial Working Groups, our relationships with the line ministries, and the SUN Networks. We seek the strongest possible alignment with the policies and programmes of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the widest possible inclusion of community groups in the process of consultation. It is vital that the Joint Programme Team plan their work and deliver results with immediate effect. As the Steering Committee for the Joint Programme, we will provide the authority, endorse the plans and mobilise the resources so that there are no delays in the delivery of the various outputs and the achievement of results.”

Looking Ahead

The joint programme’s initiatives will drive transformative investments in food systems to deliver tangible economic and nutritional benefits, empower decision-makers with enhanced capacities, and build resilient, sustainable partnerships. With at least three critical consultations planned before the project concludes in 2025, the programme will refine its terms of reference to establish clear roles and responsibilities, alongside an updated work plan.

Joint Programme Structure and Goals

The Joint Programme Steering Committee, co-chaired by HE Ouk Rabun and Mr. Jo Scheuer, comprises all Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs)—FAO, WFP, and UNICEF—along with invited UN and non-UN partners and donors. This governance structure ensures comprehensive oversight and accountability for the programme’s implementation and results.

Guided by FAO as the lead Partner UN Organization, the Joint Programme Team works closely with the Steering Committee to sustain and scale up results, conduct reviews and evaluations, and achieve operational and financial closure. The team is accountable to the Steering Committee and their respective PUNOs for delivering results throughout the programme’s lifecycle.

More Photos from the event