AKP Phnom Penh, March 23, 2026 --

The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), in partnership with the United Nations in Cambodia – UNICEF and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), announced today the launch of the Water Infrastructure & Smart Energy Joint Programme (WISE JP), a groundbreaking blended‑finance programme designed to accelerate access to climate‑resilient, safely managed water services across Cambodia.

Funded by the UN Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund, the WISE JP introduces a pioneering financial model that combines commercial and low-interest capital – a revolving blended‑finance facility – dedicated to ensuring climate‑smart water systems.

By blending concessional and commercial capital, the facility lowers financing costs for Private Water Operators (PWOs) while delivering technical support to those PWOs, financial institutions, and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC). This assistance is vital as 1.9 million children – over one‑third of Cambodia’s child population – live in communes facing high climate risk, including recurring droughts, floods, and limited WASH services.

H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, said, “Cambodia’s private water operators play a vital role in serving our people. Yet they continue facing challenges accessing affordable finance for infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy adoption. 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. By bringing innovation, investment, and long‑term sustainability to Cambodia’s water supply system, this partnership with the United Nations in Cambodia is expected to help improving water services for over 200,000 people across the country.”

“Access to climate‑resilient water services is essential for family well‑being and for children’s health and learning. 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. The United Nations in Cambodia, through UNICEF and UNCDF, is proud to work alongside MISTI and our partners to unlock innovative financing that accelerates progress toward the SDGs and strengthens the resilience of communities across the country,” said Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia.

The Programme supports Cambodia’s progress toward the SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 13 (climate action) by mobilising private investment in renewable‑energy‑powered water supply infrastructure, especially solar pumping and digital water management technologies.

The WISE JP will operate under a Steering Committee to ensure strong government leadership and alignment with Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs), Cambodia’s National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

By C. Nika