AKP Phnom Penh, May 21, 2026 --

The Australian Government and the Royal Government of Cambodia have launched the Australia Cambodia Partnership for Climate Resilience (ACP4Climate), a flagship initiative supporting climate-resilient water governance and integrated water resource management in Cambodia.

The launching ceremony was held here on May 21 under the presidency of H.E. Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, and H.E. Derek Yip, Ambassador of Australia to Cambodia, with the participation of representatives from government ministries, development partners, NGOs, academic institutions, private sector stakeholders and community-based organisations.

Climate change is increasingly affecting Cambodia's water systems, agriculture, livelihoods and communities. Strengthened water governance is critical to improving resilience to floods, droughts and changing climate conditions.

This is why through ACP4Climate, Australia will help Cambodia to strengthen water governance systems, improve climate resilience and promote inclusive and community-based approaches to water management in key river basins, including the Upper Mekong, Lower Mekong and Tonle Sap Basin.

Through the programme, Australia will work with government institutions, civil society organisations, academic institutions, private sector partners and local communities to strengthen national and subnational water planning, improve coordination and support climate-resilient water management solutions.

H.E. Thor Chetha said that the Royal Government of Cambodia values its partnership with Australia in supporting Cambodia's efforts to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable water resource management.

“ACP4Climate will help strengthen coordination, planning, and climate-resilient water governance to support Cambodia's long-term development and the well-being of its people,” he said.

H.E. Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, said that Australia has been a longstanding partner to Cambodia in supporting sustainable development, economic growth and resilience.

“ACP4Climate represents the next chapter in this partnership, helping strengthen water governance, support vulnerable communities and build resilience to climate change,” he said.

At the launch of the programme, representatives from government ministries, development partners, NGOs, academic institutions, private sector stakeholders and community-based organisations gathered to discuss priorities for climate-resilient water governance and opportunities for collaboration.

Through ACP4Climate Australia and Cambodia reaffirm their long-standing partnership and shared commitment to supporting Cambodia's sustainable development and climate resilience through locally led approaches, cooperation, and inclusive climate action.

By Phal Sophanith