Cambodia and Australia are strengthening cooperation to improve access to clean water and build climate resilience in the water supply sector, as officials and industry representatives gathered for the sixth Cambodian Water Conference and Trade Exhibition, which opened in Phnom Penh on Monday.
The two-day event, organised by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, the Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA) and the Australian embassy, brought together more than 350 representatives from government, industry, development partners, financial institutions, research institutes and technology providers.
Themed “Today’s Innovation, Tomorrow’s Water Solutions”, the conference aims to promote technological innovation, strengthen partnerships and identify practical ways to improve water security, expand access and enhance the long-term resilience of water services to climate change.
The event comes as Cambodia faces growing pressure on its water resources from climate change, including increased risks of droughts, floods and changing rainfall patterns, alongside rising demand for water services and mounting pressure on existing infrastructure.
Cambodia has made significant progress in expanding access to clean water over recent decades and is working towards universal coverage by 2030. However, providing reliable, affordable and sustainable services to rural and remote communities remains a challenge.
Science minister Hem Vanndy addressed the opening ceremony. He note that access to safe water was fundamental to public health, economic development and improved living standards.
“Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to public health, economic development and improved living standards. As Cambodia faces increasing climate-related pressures, including drought and floods, continued innovation and strong partnerships between government, the private sector, and development partners will be essential to ensuring sustainable water services for future generations,” he said.
Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip said Australia had supported Cambodia’s efforts to expand clean water access for more than a decade, helping 1.3 million Cambodians gain access to piped water.
“Australia has played a strong role working with Cambodia on the impressive progress it has made expanding access to clean water. With more than a decade of partnership with Cambodia’s water sector, Australian support has helped 1.3 million Cambodians access piped water,” he said.
“As climate pressures grow and demand continues to rise, Australia will continue to support innovative technologies and sustainable financing mechanisms that enable water operators across the country to deliver essential clean water services.”
Australian assistance has helped private water operators extend piped water services to rural and remote areas, while supporting sector capacity development and the adoption of new technologies.
Leng Kheav, president of the Cambodian Water Supply Association, noted that private water operators played a critical role in delivering clean water to communities nationwide.
“Private water operators play a critical role in delivering clean water services to communities across Cambodia. In addition to sharing experiences, this conference provides an important opportunity for PWOs to showcase, learn and adopt new technologies, strengthen partnerships and identify practical solutions that can help expand reliable and affordable water services nationwide,” he said.
The conference features technical sessions and panel discussions covering smart water technologies, clean energy and net-zero water utilities, climate resilience, water security, sustainable utility management, financing and the development of future leaders in the sector.
For the first time, the event also includes a business matchmaking platform intended to connect water operators, technology providers, financial institutions, service providers and development partners to explore investment opportunities, partnerships and practical business solutions.
An accompanying exhibition showcases products, services and technologies from Cambodian and international organisations working in water management, operational efficiency and service delivery.
The organisers said the event provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share expertise and identify solutions to help Cambodia expand water access while ensuring services remain affordable, reliable and resilient to growing climate-related risks.