AKP Phnom Penh, June 08, 2026 --

H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, received here on June 8 Mr. Enrico Gaveglia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Cambodia, and his delegation to discuss expanding cooperation between both institutions l.

In the meeting, H.E. Chhay Rithisen warmly welcomed Mr. Gaveglia and the UNDP delegation on their first official visit to the Ministry and extended his congratulations on Mr. Gaveglia's appointment as UNDP Resident Representative to Cambodia in 2025.

The Minister also highlighted recent achievements and the Ministry’s priorities, which are being advanced through five strategic directions set out in the National Policy on Rural Development 2025-2035, with the vision of “building Cambodia’s rural society to be prosperous with inclusiveness, equity, and sustainability.”

Alongside this overview of the Ministry’s roles, responsibilities, and progress to date, he requested UNDP’s technical support to prepare documentation to access financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for the “Climate Resilient Model Villages in Coastal Provinces” project.

In response, Mr. Gaveglia expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome and his pleasure at returning to Cambodia for a second assignment. He outlined UNDP’s role in mobilising resources from diverse partners to support the Royal Government of Cambodia through the relevant ministries and institutions.

Furthermore, he affirmed UNDP’s strong commitment to forging a close partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development—providing technical assistance to secure projects that will accelerate rural development in support of the Pentagonal Strategy–Phase 1 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

H.E. Chhay Rithisen thanked Mr. Gaveglia and his team for their commitment to launching cooperation with the Ministry, with the shared aim of accelerating progress in rural areas and transforming them into civilised and well-developed communities.

By Phal Sophanith