Enrico Gaveglia, the newly appointed resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to Cambodia, has pledged his support for the Kingdom’s development, with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities of the country’s graduation from LDC status.
Gaveglia presented his credentials to Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on August 20, during a courtesy meeting held at the ministry, according to a foreign ministry statement.
Sokhonn extended his congratulations to Gaveglia on his appointment, while underscoring the government’s appreciation for the UNDP’s contributions over the past five decades in accelerating Cambodia’s development goals and Sustainable Development Goals.
Gaveglia expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and reiterated UNDP’s steadfast commitment to advancing Cambodia’s development aspirations by promoting inclusive growth, addressing climate challenges and building effective governance.
He takes over the UN agency role at a critical time, as Cambodia prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, scheduled for December 2029.
“I am deeply honoured to support Cambodia in realising its human development aspirations while keeping the planet in balance. A particular focus will be placed on the challenges and opportunities of the country’s graduation from LDC status,” he said.
He added that Cambodia and the UNDP have a five-decade-long fruitful and trusted partnership, and noted that in the current period of significant reforms in the multilateral system, it is crucial that they evolve the UN-wide cooperation framework development offer.
“This evolution must happen at the intersection of poverty alleviation and equity; climate and finance; digital transformation and governance; women’s economic empowerment and the green transition,” he said.
“Ultimately, our goal is to be that partner of choice — which is responsible, modern, and agile. A UNDP that delivers results effectively and efficiently for the people of Cambodia,” he added.
Gaveglia will lead UNDP’s work in Cambodia — in close partnership with government institutions, civil society, development partners, the private sector and UN sister agencies — to deliver the UNDP Country Programme Document 2024–28, supporting the RGC in achieving its national development goals, phase one of the seventh-mandate government’s Pentagonal Strategy and Cambodia’s Vision 2050, according to the release.
