Phnom Penh, 22 August 2018 – This morning, Mr. Haoliang Xu, Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Development Programme’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, met with H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Senior Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Royal Government of Cambodia.

During the meeting, Mr. Xu commended Cambodia for its efforts in promoting socio-economic development and poverty reduction. He expressed the UN’s commitment to support Cambodia’s middle-income transition to be inclusive and equitable so that no one is left behind, in line with the commitment of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Xu emphasised that inclusive growth can be achieved by integrating social and environmental considerations, and by promoting strong governance institutions, partnerships and innovation.

“I would like to reiterate the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs. I also would like to commend the Royal Government for including an 18th Goal on Mine Action in Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals,” added Mr Xu.

Currently, the United Nations in Cambodia is developing a new UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). Mr Xu stated that the strategic partnership between the UN and the Royal Government is reflected in this new UNDAF, which articulates the joint commitment of the UN to national development priorities covering the period of five years from 2019 to 2023.

As part of his two-day visit in Phnom Penh, Mr. Xu will also pay courtesy calls on H.E. Aun Pornmoniroth, Senior Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, and H.E. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce. Mr. Xu will also meet with development partners, representatives from private sector, civil society, and academia to exchange views and explore avenue for expanded cooperation.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. IM Samruol, Communications Analyst, UNDP Cambodia. Email: samruol.im@undp.org

About UNDP

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspectives and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. www.kh.undp.org

About the UN in Cambodia

The United Nations system in Cambodia is represented by more than 20 agencies, funds and programmes. Over nearly three decades, the United Nations has been deeply invested in working towards peace, stability, human rights and prosperity in Cambodia.