The First Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024–2028

[Check Against Delivery] 

His Excellency Chheang Yanara, Senior Minister in charge of Special Mission and Second Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia,

Excellencies, Secretaries of State, Undersecretaries of State, representatives of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Heads of UN agencies, Results Groups Co-Chairs, ladies and gentlemen,

Cambodia is at a pivotal moment in its development journey. The country has made remarkable progress despite facing global and regional challenges. You are on track to achieve steady graduation from Least Developed Country status by December 2029.

However, this will be a critical transition. It calls for strategic planning and targeted action - to sustain the achievements that have been made, while also managing new vulnerabilities and building long-term resilience. The overall development landscape has become even more complex.

We are seeing global shifts in development financing, combined with the ongoing Middle East conflict and fuel shortages. These factors are affecting economies worldwide, including Cambodia.

In 2025, the border situation with Thailand displaced more than 640,000 people at its peak, disrupting essential services across several provinces.

In parallel, an estimated 900,000 migrants - and more recently an additional 80,000 - have returned from Thailand, many without immediate savings or job prospects. Cambodia has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strong national solidarity in responding to this crisis. I would like to commend the Royal Government of Cambodia for its swift, coordinated and compassionate response in supporting internally displaced families.

The United Nations family, working under the overall coordination of the Government, has supported food and nutrition distribution, health services, WASH systems, temporary learning spaces, protection services, and shelter. Cambodia is now entering a more complex phase - moving from emergency response to sustainable recovery. This will require more than short-term relief. It will require strategic investment in people, livelihoods and local economies.

These converging pressures also test how the Development Cooperation Framework has been designed and how it must now be delivered. The combined effects of the border situation, returning migrant workers, and external shocks require the UN system and partners in Cambodia to adapt implementation strategies - reviewing priorities and ensuring that resources, both financial and technical, are used as effectively as possible.

This is essential to strengthen alignment with the Royal Government’s priorities, sustain progress, and continue advancing towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations remains fully committed to delivering on this Cooperation Framework and to continuing to walk alongside Cambodia on it’s development journey.

If you allow me, I would like to briefly recall the key points of today’s meeting and the way forward. The agenda has three parts. First, we will share an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the Joint Steering Committee. You have all received the Terms of Reference as part of the meeting package, and we hope to endorse them at this meeting. Second, my UN colleagues, the Co-chairs of the Results Groups, will present what we have collectively achieved in 2025 and highlight priorities for 2026. Third, we will open the floor for discussion, reflection, and endorsement of the 2025 results and the 2026 priorities. I have no doubt that we will see strong engagement and constructive discussion, as this is how we ensure that our work remains relevant and that we hold ourselves accountable to one another. Allow me to once again express my sincere thanks, Your Excellency, and to your team for the preparation of this meeting. I also extend my appreciation to all members of the Joint Steering Committee for your participation today.

Together, the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia share a common goal - to build a Cambodia that is healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous.

Thank you.