Cambodia has launched a new UN-backed programme aimed at expanding access to climate-resilient and safely managed water services, targeting vulnerable communities increasingly affected by droughts, floods and limited infrastructure.
The initiative, known as the Water Infrastructure & Smart Energy Joint Programme (WISE JP), was unveiled on Monday by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, in partnership with UNICEF and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
At the core of the programme is a blended-finance facility that combines concessional and commercial capital to support private investment in water supply systems powered by renewable energy.
The model is designed to lower borrowing costs for private water operators while improving their access to financing for infrastructure upgrades.
Officials said the programme comes at a critical time, with an estimated 1.9 million Cambodian children — more than one-third of the country’s child population — living in areas facing high climate risks and inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene services.
Science minister Hem Vanndy described the programme as a key step in modernising the country’s water supply sector and addressing long-standing financing constraints.
“Cambodia’s private water operators play a vital role in serving our people, particularly in areas not reached by public water utilities. Yet they continue facing challenges accessing affordable finance for infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy adoption,” he said.
“The WISE JP represents an important milestone in our national efforts to modernise the water supply sector, expand clean water access, and advance our climate commitments,” he added, noting that the initiative is expected to improve water services for more than 200,000 people nationwide.
The programme will also provide technical support to private water operators, financial institutions and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia, helping strengthen capacity and reduce investment risks in the sector.
UN resident coordinator in Cambodia Vladanka Andreeva said the initiative reflects a growing push to align development financing with climate resilience and social impact.
“Access to climate-resilient water services is essential for family well-being and for children’s health and learning,” she said.
“Through the WISE JP, Cambodia is taking a bold step to ensure that children and families — especially those in hard-to-reach areas — benefit from affordable and sustainable clean water powered by renewable energy,” she added.
The programme supports Cambodia’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation and Goal 13 on climate action. It also aligns with national strategies, including the National Strategic Development Plan and the country’s climate commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions.
By mobilising private sector investment into solar-powered water systems and digital water management technologies, the initiative aims to build more resilient infrastructure while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The WISE JP will be overseen by a steering committee to ensure coordination between government agencies and development partners, with a focus on long-term sustainability and alignment with national development priorities.
Development partners say the programme could serve as a model for scaling up climate-resilient infrastructure financing in other sectors, as Cambodia faces growing pressure to adapt to the impacts of climate change while maintaining economic growth.
