Public Private Partnerships in the Healthcare and Tourism Sectors in Cambodia
EuroCham Cambodia, on behalf of GIZ “Support to the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI)”, organized two workshops on Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in the healthcare sector on 28th September 2018, and in tourism sector on 01st October 2018, Phnom Penh, aiming to address how to enhance the investment environment and promotion strategies in the health and tourism sectors where public and private sectors can better collaborate. …
Prospects for E-learning as one of approaches for CPD for healthcare workers in Cambodia
04 October 2018
Under the new “law on regulation of health practitioners”, promulgated by the Cambodian Ministry of Health in December 2016, which aims to protect the health and safety of members of the public, by providing mechanisms to ensure that all health practitioners are qualified, competent and fit to safely practice their profession. The Cambodian Councils of nurses (CCN) and Cambodian Midwives Councils (CMC) are responsible for …
Significant new investment in NCD prevention and control is opportunity to strengthen Cambodia’s public health system and build momentum for action
06 September 2018
We are at a crossroads in Cambodia: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, the so-called ‘noncommunicable diseases’ (NCDs) are already the largest cause of mortality, and the rate is rising. They cause 61.3 percent of deaths but receive the least funding and attention across the board. People living with NCDs are also hit financially: they spend ten times as much on healthcare as those without NCDs. Clearly, huge action is needed to …
Improving livelihoods with vegetable production – GIZ Cambodia
កែលម្អជីវភាពតាមរយៈផលិតកម្មបន្លែរបស់អង្គការ -
ជីអាយហ្សិតកម្ពុជា
បន្លែជាច្រើនប្រភេទដែលដាំដុះលើផ្ទៃដីទំហំ ៣៥ម x ៦០ម ធ្វើឱ្យលោកស្រីទុំ អ៊ិន ពោរពេញដោយស្នាមញញឹមយ៉ាងរីករាយ។ “ខ្ញុំសប្បាយរីករាយណាស់ដែលគម្រោង ILF របស់អង្គការGIZបានជួយគាំទ្រដល់ពួកយើងដើម្បីបង្កើតទីតាំងបង្ហាញនេះ … ច្រើនទៀត >>>
The numerous types of vegetables on the 35 m x 60 m plot of land make Mrs. Tum En smile joyfully. “I am so happy that GIZ ILF has supported us to establish this demonstration plot and trains us adequately so that we can increase our income through better growing techniques… More >>>
Introduction to Traditional Cambodian Lacquer

Master lacquerer (Eric Stocker) explaining the different layers required during application of natural lacquer.
08 August 2018
Amongst their continuous conservation and restoration efforts in the Angkor Park, the APSARA Stone Conservation Unit (SCU) is currently working on two prestigious late 12th-century Buddha statues at Prasat Pre Rup (as previously mentioned here). Both statues are, as one would expect, typically covered in various coats and layers of natural lacquer and polychromy, including decorative embellishments and faint traces of gold leaf. In order to successfully carry out … More >>>
Nurse Online Registration Management System
06 July 2018
March, April and June, 2018
Siem Reap and 10 selected provinces, Cambodia
All Cambodian nurses who exercise as medical professional assistants must register with the Cambodian Council of Nurses (CCN). In order to ease the feasibility of the registration to all nurses everywhere in the country, the online registration system was developed and launched in late March 2018. More >>>
How digital solutions facilitate the identification of poor households in Cambodia
When poverty hits, people struggle to even afford their basic needs. Getting nutritious food and clean drinking water can be a challenge, compromises on education might have to be made. It can be devastating, especially when one encounters health issues.
To tackle poverty and identify those in need for support the Cambodian government with the support of its partners, Germany and Australia, implements a unique solution: IDPoor. …
Fresher and safer exported fruit and vegetable for consumers, easier work for border check officers, and increase of export earnings among Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam

Welcome and opening remarks by Dr. Chan Phaloeun, Deputy Director General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA), Ministry of Agriculture,Cambodia
20 June 2018
Consumers in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam will enjoy fresh and safe fruit and vegetable while the three countries will benefit the better trade flow of agriculture goods, and hopefully an increase of agricultural exports and revenues among the three countries. Additionally, officers at the three border check points for food safety and phytosanitary measures will find it easier to work.
The Project of the Facilitating Trade for Agricultural Goods in ASEAN (FTAG) has initiated the Regional Study on “Assessment of Framework Conditions for Trade in Fresh Fruits and Vegetable in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam” with specific emphasis on trade in … More >>>
Improving blood transfusion practices as an essential component of maternal and child health
24 April 2018
Blood transfusion and accurate laboratory results are lifesaving in many cases of complicated pregnancies. If done properly, blood transfusion and laboratory practices can help to decrease infant and maternal mortality rates. Bearing this in mind, the GIZ Improving Maternal and Newborn Care Project is addressing relevant blood transfusion … More >>>
National Workshop to present Findings of the Assessment Study on Trade of Agricultural Goods in ASEAN: Cambodia
20 April 2018
The ASEAN Economic Community has determined that trade within the region is to be increased and has also defined Agriculture as a core sector. Within ASEAN approximately 30 per cent of trade take place between the Member States. Although in general the level of intra-ASEAN trade is low, trade in agricultural goods (fruits and vegetables) between Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam is significantly higher. For fresh agricultural goods, …
10 Years of APSARA Stone Conservation Unit (SCU)
10 April 2018
In March 2007, three local stone conservation experts, with the support of one German Development Worker, started their assignment to establish a competent and fully qualified unit of local stone conservators within the APSARA Authority, the local governmental body tasked with the management and protection of the Angkor World Heritage Site in Siem Reap. And now, ten complete years thereafter the results are compelling.
The temples of Angkor are in constant need of maintenance and care. Having been exposed over a period of hundreds of years to … More >>>
Female Councillor Empowerment through Networking
10 April 2018
Women holding political office in Cambodia do not have it easy. They often encounter prejudice and lack of understanding, and there is little trust in their abilities. They are also underrepresented at all levels of government. In light of this, the National Committee for Sub-national Democratic Development (NCDD-S) with support from the GIZ implemented EU Project for Decentralisation and Administrative Reform (EU DAR) has taken action. … More >>>
Consultation Workshop on draft export guidelines for fresh banana, mango and longan to China
05 April 2018
ASEAN China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) framework was signed in November 2002 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and came into effect in January 2010. It marked a significant milestone in pursuing greater economic integration in the region. ACFTA became the largest free trade area in the world in terms of population and the third largest in terms of nominal GDP, trailing the European Economic Area (EEA) and North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA). Under the free trade agreement, tariffs are … More >>>
Opening Event at META House Phnom Penh – Sunday, March 11, 2018
“I always dream that I will be able to live with my family in the future in a proper shelter and with enough food to eat, just like other people who are also workers like me. Is it possible?” – Yang Chanda, Cambodian garment worker
On Sunday 11 March, the Social and Labour Standards in the Textile and Garment Sector in Asia (SLSG) project of GIZ, together with the Worker’s Information Center, held a reception at the … More >>>
Launch of the “National Policy for Quality and Safety in Health and Quality Improvement Master Plan”
20 March 2018
The national dissemination workshop of the revised National Policy and Safety in Health and Quality Improvement Master Plan (2017-2021) was organized by the Department of Hospital Services of the Ministry of Health on December 29, 2017 supported by GIZ Social Health Protection Programme (SHPP). The event was presided over by H.E. Professor Thir Kruy, H.E. Professor Yit Sunnara and Mr. Bernd Appelt, SHPP Programme Manager.
“Siem Reap Beyond the Temples” – Promoting community-based tourism in Siem Reap Province and beyond
01 March 2018
The Regional Economic Development Program III (RED III) supports government, private sector and civil society stakeholders in the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap to promote economic development and poverty alleviation. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (SDC) and includes …
Symposium on “Working with Families in Cambodia” at RUPP
The Department of Psychology invited professionals from the field of Mental Health to exchange experience and learn from each other during presentations of projects on working with families and clinical application of family therapy from various organizations in Cambodia and international family therapists on December 15 at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP). …
Behind the scene of organic business
Despite of imbalance financial returns, organic business in Cambodia currently still keeps moving forward.
Are vegetables at an organic shop truly organic?
… A common question that many customers ask the organic supplier
It is a matter of quality, trust and satisfactory.
Ms. Chhounso Chenda, a sale manager at Khmer Organic Cooperative (KOC) in Phnom Penh says that customers deserve to know every detail about the products they consume.
„Good Mental Health brings Peace“
One could see this slogan on many yellow T-shirts last Tuesday on Campus of the Royal University of Phnom Penh at the “Youth Mental Health Day”. The Department of Psychology, with financial support by the GIZ Civil Peace Service, organized this annual awareness rising event for the fifth time and more than 1700 students, lecturers and mental health professionals were following the invitation. More >>>
Mr. and Mrs. Potatoes in Cambodia
Potato production field trial contributes to food diversification while offering a “new” cash crop to Cambodian farmers
Potato and Cambodia may not seem to match when it comes to food. But, when searching into internet, potato and Cambodia cuisine walks hands in hands in a popular Khmer red curry, which CNN also suggests it is among the ten meals that visitors to Cambodia should try.
Trade facilitation project to be kicked off in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam
20 October 2017
Ten senior government officials from Cambodia, Thailand and Viet Nam met for the first time for a new project to facilitate agricultural trade at its 1st Steering Committee Meeting for Facilitating Trade for Agricultural Goods in ASEAN (FTAG) between 11 – 12 October 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Setting up three skills laboratories in provincial hospitals in Cambodia
13 October 2017
The Maternal & Newborn Care Project, implemented by GIZ on behalf of BMZ cooperated with GFA and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) in improving skills of health staff attending deliveries in public health facilities.
Three skills labs have been established in 2017 at the Provincial Referral Hospitals in Kampot, Kampong Speu and Kampong Thom with the aim of improving Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care services provided by skilled attendants such as midwives and doctors. More >>>
Presentation of the study „Positive Youth Development”
The Department of Psychology at RUPP has been conducting a survey on “Positive Youth Development” (founded by CPS/GIZ), comprising 1600 young people from six different high schools in urban and rural areas. …
A Best Practice Farm shares its lessons learnt
In August 2016, the ASEAN-German Cooperation Project “Standards in the Southeast Asian Food Trade” (SAFT) project entered an integrated Public Private Partnership (iPPP) with the Khmer Organic Cooperative Co., Ltd (KOC) in Cambodia. So far two major developments can be seen: Firstly, the first two Cambodian farms have been certified according to the EU organic standard. More >>>
How to improve the use of food standards in Cambodia? A Public Private Dialogue among actors of the fruit and vegetable supply chain
05 September 2017
Despite a growing demand for certified foods among Cambodian and international consumers, only a small amount of food grown in Cambodia is currently certified. One of the reasons that hinder the certification is the lack of exchange among actors in the supply chain.
Although a roadmap for the implementation of GAP and organic food has already been developed by the General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA) with the support of the ASEAN-German Cooperation Project “Standards in the Southeast Asian Food Trade” (SAFT)“, what was still missing was a commitment of the whole supply chain – farmers, retailers and consumers – to use these standards actively. More >>>
Launching event for the first EU Certified Organic Farms of fresh fruits and vegetables in Cambodia
Integrated Public Private Partnerships (iPPP) are a key component of the “Standards in the Southeast Asian Food Trade” (SAFT) project. Such partnerships are based on the idea that development goals are best achieved when the public sector cooperates with the private sector. In Cambodia, SAFT entered an iPPP agreement with the Khmer Organic Cooperative Co., Ltd (KOC) for the period of 15 September 2016 to 28 February 2018, with a total volume of 95,000 Euros. More >>>
German students meet the Civil Peace Service/GIZ in Cambodia
Peace and conflict studies and law students from the University of Marburg visited the Civil Peace Service (CPS) program office of GIZ in Phnom Penh.
Strategy planning workshop and a joint visit to the museum of auditing in Magelang
In July 2017, Regional Project Support to ASEAN Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) held a Strategy Planning Workshop in Magelang, Central Java. The workshop aimed to take stock of achievements gained so far and to develop an outlook for the remaining 18 months of the project until December 2018. Especially focusing on sustainable results of the project support to ASEANSAI, emphasis was put on the development of an out-phasing strategy that will make the most of the remaining project resources … More >>>
Raise awareness on sexual and reproductive health and disability inclusion in communities
“Because I have a disability people think I cannot start a family.”
This statement reflects the experiences of men and women with disabilities in their villages and communities. Social stigma and prejudices constitute significant barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health care information and services for persons with disabilities. One of the goals of the GIZ Improving Maternal and Newborn Care Project is to reduce those barriers. Ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal rights is a key principle of German development policy. More >>>
“Training on Counseling and Psycho-Social Interventions for substance abusing clients”
The Department of Psychology (DP) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (DMHSA) at the Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital opened a new chapter of collaboration this week.
Interaction between Local Governments and Citizens: The Dissemination and Consultative Forum Season started
Dissemination and Consultative (D&C) Fora aim to promote local social and economic development and alleviate poverty through greater democracy. Holding at least one D&C Forum in June or July every year, councils shall promote accountability, transparency and civic engagement within their jurisdictions. Specifically, D&C Fora aim to inform citizens about the council’s achievements and challenges as well as its priorities for the following year. More >>>
GIZ Maternal & Newborn Care Project to support pre-service training at Regional Training Center for Health in Kampot
Practical training is an important part of training students in nursing and midwifery. Before going on practical placement at hospitals and health centers and seeing the patients, students need to learn the clinical procedures. Nursing and midwifery trainings cannot be imagined without the clinical practical training because the profession has always been taught by the bed of the patient.
Future Family Therapists started training at Department of Psychology RUPP
Experienced psychologists and social workers know about the importance of the family in Cambodia as a collectivist society. For the “Postgraduate Certificate in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice” training of the Department of Psychology at RUPP enrolled 12 of them – working in various fields of their professions. Comprehensive therapy training courses are scarce in Cambodia, and the existing trainings address mainly individuals with their therapeutic approach. Development advisor Bernhild Pfautsch, working with the GIZ-Civil peace service at the University, has set up a curriculum to meet the needs for further vocational training of graduates and practitioners. More >>>
Skills & Drills – Improving midwives’ skills in managing emergency cases
The GIZ Muskoka project supports the Ministry of Health in improving Maternal and Newborn Care with a focus on Emergency Obstetric Care. The project runs until 04/2019 and works in the provinces of Kampot, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom and Kep.
In order to improve the skills and to build capacity of the Cambodian midwives through a series of Emergency Obstetric Care hands-on trainings, GIZ partners with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). More >>>
Safe food, Healthy life in Cambodia
10 April 2017
Phnom Penh residents start changing their behavior from eating normal vegetable and fruits which contained chemical residue to consume organic products. Though the prices of organic products are higher than the normal products, some people still prefer to eat since they know these products are good for health.
“The sales volume of vegetables and fruits has increased from 100kg a day to 300kg a day,” said Canady Mao, an Assistant Director of Khmer Organic Cooperative (KOC). More>>>
Inauguration of One Window Service Offices at District Level in Kampong Speu Province
On March 28, 2017, the inauguration of six newly and country-wide established One Window Service Offices and District Ombudsmen offices took place in Oudong District, Kampong Speu Province.
The World of Organic Agriculture: Statistics & Emerging Trends 2017 is providing a comprehensive analysis of the development of the organic market worldwide.
GIZ ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN SAS) assisted the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) to collect information of organic production and trade in Cambodia.
Since 2011, GIZ ASEAN SAS in cooperation with the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC) is promoting organic rice and vegetable value chains. ASEAN SAS intervention along the organic agriculture value chain cover inputs, production, logistics, regulation, certification, logistics, processing and marketing. Project partners come from the private sectors, other development agencies and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (MAFF) with which the project develop a regulation for Biocontrol Agents and a National Standard for Organic Agriculture. More >>>
“You are ugly, but I still eat you.”
15 March 2017
Organic products are in higher demand in Cambodia although they do not look as nice as the chemical coated produces.
According to a shop assistant at Khmer Organic Cooperative (KOC) in Phnom Penh, about 50 to 60 customers visit the shop to buy the organic products on a daily basis. Besides, four to 10 customers call to order the products per day, especially the leafy vegetables, said Ms. Seng Sophea, 23, the KOC shop assistant. More >>>
RED III Data Management Process
The Regional Economic Development Program III (RED III) is a Cambodian rural development program funded by Germany (BMZ) and Switzerland (SDC) and implemented with technical assistance by Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The third phase of the program is scheduled to last from September 2014 to December 2017. It succeeds the GIZ-supported Regional Economic Development Program – Green Belt that was implemented in the province of Siem Reap from October 2007 until August 2014. More>>>
Two finalists of “A Time to Remember – Songwriting Contest” performed in Siem Reap
07 March 2017
On February 24th winner Phoch Sreyrath and finalist Sidet Shophady of the – Civil Peace Service Program of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supported – song contest were on stage at the “Chubmet festival” in Siem Reap, to present two remembrance Songs, created as from young artists to the surviving generation of Khmer Rouge. More >>>
Dealing with the past: Engaging in the present
The Civil Peace Service (CPS) program of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH co-funded a one-week conference on “Dealing with the past: Engaging in the present”. The conference was organized by the Heinrich Böll Foundation, Cambodia and supported by One Earth Future.
The concept for the event was conceived over the course of 2016 in order to engage international post-conflict professionals, providing a space for meaningful exchange on topics related to issues that transcend borders. More>>>
From „Like Ghost Changes Body“ to „Phka Sla Krom Angkar“
In 2014 the Civil Peace Service (CPS) partner organization “Transcultural Psychosocial Organization” (TPO) conducted a study called “Like ghost changes body” – A study on the Impact of Forced Marriage under the Khmer Rouge Regime. After 2 and half years of planning, fund raising and rehearsals a consortium of NGOs, including Khmer Arts Academy, Kdei Karuna, TPO and Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center created a classical dance drama and a mobile exhibition based on oral histories of survivors of forced marriage. More>>>
Successful Launch of the ATJW II Project on Minimum Standards and Referral Guidelines for GBV Survivors!
On 08 February 2017, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs launched the Referral Guidelines and – jointly with the Ministry of Health – the Minimum Standards for Basic Counseling for Women and Girl Survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
These tools were developed and tested with technical support of the MoWA-GIZ-ATJW II project, which is jointly funded by the two Governments of Germany and Australia. More>>>
The Civil Peace Service of GIZ in Cambodia supports the “Forum on the Developments of ECCC’s Proceedings and Reparations in Case 002/02”
On Thursday, 9 February 2017, the Victims Support Section of the ECCC in cooperation with the Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers organised a forum on the developments of the ECCC’s proceedings and reparations in Case 002/02. More >>>
Life of contract farmer in Cambodia: Growing organic, glowing income
Ms. Ing Sarun
Since Ms. Ing Sarun grows organic vegetables for Khmer Organic Cooperative, she smiles more often.
Ms. Sarun, 58, grows rice and vegetables on her family’s land of 0.92 hectare in Kampong Nung Village in Kampot Province, Cambodia. She cultivates rice and grows vegetables such as cucumber, bitter gourd, eggplant, pumpkin, and long bean for a living. She has six members in her family including her husband and four children, two boys and two girls. More>>>
Discussing IDPoor with beneficiaries and implementers at village level
Cambodia’s Senior Minister of Planning, HE Chhay Than, and other IDPoor management staff visited Kampong Preah commune in Battambang province to see for themselves the outcomes of round 10 of the identification of poor households. They were shown around by the commune chief and 4 other local implementers of IDPoor – all of them women! More>>>
Field and Nutrition Days– an efficient way to reach target groups!
The first two Field and Nutrition Days of the project MUSEFO took place in the provinces of Kampot and Kampong Thom. More than 1.000 small-scale farmers and women in reproductive age could be reached and be informed about agricultural and health topics related to food and nutrition security in twelve different topic stations. The participants of the agriculture section got information about diversifying their nutrition and food production by building their capacity to grow a more diverse range of crops and small animal schemes in an organic way. More>>>
Strengthening Female Councillors’ Voice for Serving Cambodia’s Citizens

Opening of the Forum – Ms. Maraile Görgen, GIZ DAR, Mr. Sok Sothy and Mr. Khol Yuthly, both NCDD-S (from left to right)
06 December 2016
What is your challenge being a District Female Councillor in Kratie? How does it differ to the role as Female Councillor in Kampong Speu? How do you raise your voice for your citizens? How do you manage to be heard in council meetings? These and other questions about roles and responsibilities of female councillors were discussed in a nationwide Female Councillor Forum on 29th and 30th of November. … More >>>
Voices of Ethnic Minorities
01 December 2016
The Civil Peace Service (CPS) partner organization “Kdei Karuna” launched their exhibition Voices of Ethnic Minorities in Phnom Penh on 20 November 2016. The exhibition documents the persecution and suffering of Muslim Cham and ethnic Vietnamese during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. With funding of the CPS of GIZ, Kdei Karuna has collected oral history accounts of ethnic minorities. … More >>>
DAR’s first Steering Committee Meeting and Launching Ceremony

GIZ Country Director MrAdelbert Eberhardt, GIZ DAR Management Team and intern Ms Cora Roos after the launching ceremony.
10 November 2016
On November 4, 2016, the first Steering Committee Meeting of the new Decentralisation and Administrative Reform (DAR) Program took place. The objective of the new DAR Program is to support selected partner districts in Battambang and Kandal Province in delivering services to citizens in a more harmonised, responsive and transparent manner. More >>>
Book Presentation “The ECCC – Assessing their contribution to International Criminal Law”
28 October 2016
On October 19th, 2016, a first comprehensive book on the work and functioning of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) was presented at META House, at an event hosted by the Civil Peace Service program of GIZ Cambodia.
The book presentation began with an introduction by Mr. Nicholas Koumjian, Co-Prosecutor at ECCC and was followed by Mr. Simon Meisenberg, a former CIM/GIZ Advisor to the trial chamber at the ECCC, who is the co-editor of the book. Dr. Ignaz Stegmiller, the second co-editor (was not present) was a former CPS advisor working in the field of ECCC legacy. More>>>
Full house at the Royal University
Already for the fourth time interested students and mental health professionals gathered for the “Youth Mental Health Day” on October 14th at the Royal University’s amazing assembly hall. The event was organized by the Department of Psychology with financial support from the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the Civil Peace Service of GIZ. … More >>>
Legal Identity and Inclusive Development in Cambodia
The Minority Rights Organization (MIRO) organised a roundtable of key stakeholders to initiate a discussion about how to engage with sustainable development goal (SDG) 16.9 on legal identity in Cambodia on September 13, 2016. The focus was on vulnerable, marginalized and hard-to-reach populations, especially minority groups. While SDG 16.9 carries a promise of inclusion by making the invisible legally visible, insisting on legal identity requirements for accessing rights and services could have the unintended effect of further excluding the most marginalized as these groups may face serious obstacles in obtaining legal identity. … More >>>
Theater can be more than fun!
14 September 2016
The Civil Peace Service (CPS) partner organization Khmer Community Development (KCD) runs a program that makes use of theater as a tool to transform conflict between interethnic groups in a commune inhabited by Khmer and ethnic Vietnamese in Kandal province. Applying the methodological approach of Forum Theater, which developed out of Augusto Boal’s Theater of the Oppressed, … More >>>
PRESS RELEASE – Boosting organic production and consumption in Cambodia
02 September 2016
Germany enters a partnership with Khmer Organic Cooperative Co., Ltd to promote production schemes for organic agriculture and link producers into ASEAN markets
The Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), enters a cooperation agreement with the Khmer Organic Cooperative Co., Ltd (KOC) until February 2018, to establish two organic certified demonstration farms, focusing on fruits and vegetables. The prepared farms later on will be used as a national organic training center for Cambodia. More >>>
Khmer Rouge Tribunal Turns to Forced Marriage
25 August 2016
GIZ Cambodia celebrates that victims of the widespread practice of forced marriage perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge are telling their stories in public hearings for the first time at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).
Through the Civil Peace Service program, GIZ Cambodia has been working since more than eight years with governmental and non-governmental organizations to seek justice for victims of forced marriage and/or sexual violence committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. More >>>
Alumni Face-to-Face Meeting

Participant presenting about challenges and opportunities of Cambodia’s SMEs in the ASEAN Economic Community.
28-29 July 2016
The GIZ Global Partners of Germany Alumni Programme commenced the 1st module of a Blended Learning Course on Entrepreneurship in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) for Alumni in Cambodia and Vietnam with an introductory face-to-face meeting at GIZ Country Office in Cambodia.
Financial access to health care for older people in Cambodia: 10-year trends (2004-14) and determinants of catastrophic health expenses
Older people make up an increasing proportion of the population in low- and middle-income countries. This brings a number of challenges, as their health requirements are greater than, and different from, those of younger people. More >>>
PRESS RELEASE – New Push from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to Activate Government Response to End Violence against Women
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, 4th July 2016 – The Ministry of Women’s Affairs today led a special meeting with representatives from 15 line ministries and civil society organizations to boost the implementation and monitoring of the Second National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against Women, the key national policy to address intimate partner violence and sexual violence in Cambodia. More >>>
International Nurses Day in Cambodia
15 June 2016
The International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated internationally and marks the invaluable contribution of nurses to society.
The Cambodia Council of Nurses (CCN) organised the IND on the 15th June 2016 which was presided over by H.E. Dr Mam Bunheng, Minister of Health. The over 360 participants were comprised of professional and student nurses from across the country as well as officials from the Ministry of Health, national hospitals, regional training centres and NGOs.
Sexual and Reproductive Health of Persons with Disabilities in Cambodia
“We have the right to love but we do not dare to love”. This statement of a group of Cambodian women with disabilities illustrates that men and women with disabilities do not only face a number of barriers to marriage, they also fear rejection because of their impairments. Thus, sexual and reproductive health, rights and needs of persons with disabilities are invisible. In order to overcome the information gap and identify and address challenges, an evidence base is required to inform the implementation of disability inclusive sexual and reproductive health programmes.
Youth Community Dialogue about Khmer Rouge past
On April 28th, 2016, Kdei Karuna (KdK) – a partner organization of CPS – implemented a Youth Community Dialogue at Phnom Trung Bat crime site in Kralanh district, Siem Reap province, giving survivors of the Khmer Rouge crime site and local high school students the unique opportunity to speak about the past. Approximately 80 persons participated in the fruitful dialogue event where survivors shared their experiences from the past, addressing the history of the crime site and their home community.
Alumni Talk
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, under support of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and German Academic Exchange (DAAD), the Cambodian-German Friendship Association (KDF) organized its first alumni talk on the topic “Entrepreneurship in the Context of ASEAN Economic Community and Business Opportunity” at Cambodian German Cultural Center (Metahouse). The event aimed at discussing among association members and alumni the complete business of running small and medium business know-how and its practices in Cambodia and across countries in the region focusing on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
Cambodia learns from the Experiences of the Civil Service in Azerbaijan

The head of the Cambodian delegation, H.E. Thor Sethana, Under Secretary of State from MCS (2nd from right), H.E. Pich Vicheakunthy, Director General from MCS (right), Mr. Vafadar Misirov, Deputy Chairman from CSC (2nd from left) and Ms. Narmin Zeynalova, Head of International Relations from CSC during the opening of the exchange visit.
20 April 2016
A delegation headed by the Ministry of Civil Service (MCS) with the support of GIZ’s Administrative Reform and Decentralization Program (ARDP) visited the Civil Service Commission under the President of the Republic of Aserbaijan (CSC) for an exchange of experiences and lessons learnt in March 2016. The objective of the visit was to learn from the experiences the Civil Service Commission had made in developing and implementing transparent and effective entry exam procedures for Azerbaijan’s citizens who aim to enter the civil service. More>>>
Improving Midwifery Skills; a success story
Mrs Hout Phally is a 38-year-old midwife in the Hospital of Trapaing Kraloeung, Phnom Srouch operational District, Kampong Speu province. She felt insecure in some professional situations, and was often unsure about the correct course of action to take in medical emergencies as she lacked knowledge. Now, thanks to further professional training, Mrs. Hout Phally has improved her technical skills and recently applied these skills during a complicated delivery. More >>>
DMS Makes RED III Progress and Impact Monitoring Easy
2 March 2016
The Regional Economic Development Program III (RED III) is a Cambodian rural development program supported by Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The program is scheduled to last from September 2014 to December 2017. It succeeds the GIZ-supported Regional Economic Development Program – Green Belt that was implemented in the province of Siem Reap from October 2007 until August 2014. More>>>
Soil and Nutrient Management
Agricultural lands in Southeast Asia are predominately occupied by small-holder farmers, who have limited resources and capability (knowledge and technology) to manage the soils efficiently to optimize crop production.
Current land use practices together with harsh climatic conditions and population pressure have led to soil degradation, loss of soil fertility, declining crop yields and malnutrition, subsequently declining in livelihood. An enhancement in productivity of food crop is unlikely to be achieved without ensuring that crops have adequate and balanced supply of nutrients.
Sustainable agricultural system is based on managing soil according to their constraints and thus capabilities. Rehabilitation of the productive capacity of soil for crop production is the key issue to be addressed in ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN SAS). If soil quality is poor, it cannot function effectively thus incapable to sustain a productive agriculture. This could be achieved through integrated approach to conserve and manage soil and nutrient. Accomplishing this could have enormously impact on sustainability of agriculture and food production in the region….
More on >>> http://www.asean-agrifood.org/what-we-do/soil-and-nutrient-management-2/
Innovative Fundraising to Improve Access to Health
11 February 2016
Preikuy commune, Kampong Svay district, February 2015 – In Kampong Svay, a local initiative has created a new and innovative way to support the poorest and the most vulnerable members of the community: persons with disabilities and older persons. During a money flower ceremony at Bendei pagoda $3,289 were donated by the community to enable those in need to visit a doctor when falling ill. The money was then donated to finance moto dubs, which are contracted, to bring the most vulnerable people from their home to a health centre. This basic service could be a matter of life or death for many that cannot afford the transport to get to health centres. The initiative was jointly started by the local government and religious authorities and facilitated by GIZ. More>>>
Building Capacities for Urban Planning
2 February 2016
From 18 to 22 of January 2016, the Ministry of Land Management Urban Planning and Construction conducted an Introductory Training Course for Urban Planning with the support of GIZ Land Rights Program II. It aimed to provide an insight into urban planning in general and to the first steps of an urban master planning process in particular. Participants were representatives of the 25 provincial spatial planning committees, mandated with the elaboration of spatial plans in the country. The training showcased the attempt of the ministry to increase subnational capacities for spatial and urban planning. More>>>
Stronger Governance Improves Health Services in Cambodia
Kampong Kandal, Cambodia, January, 2016 – In Cambodia, community participation in health care services is paying off. A nationwide roll-out of Health Centre Management Committees (HCMC) are strengthening local governance and enhancing community participation in the health sector, Communities are now getting involved with the co-management of facilities and exchange of information among citizens, health care providers and local authorities leading to improved accountability and transparency, more efficient services and stronger leadership. More>>>
From Housewife to Chief in Kampong Thom
13 January 2016
Kampong Thom, July 2015 – Yort Norng was living with her eight children and her husband, a soldier and the village chief of Samrong, Preah Damrei commune in a rural area in Kampong Thom. In 1986, her life drastically changed when her husband died.
Norng is highly motivated to improve the life of the villagers in Samrong village, “I really wanted to help my community,” she said enthusiastically.
Soon after this tragic event, her community chose her as the new village chief of Samrong, as they valued her strong engagement with the community.
Norng continued to serve her village as leader for 26 years before she was elected in 2012 as commune chief for her district in Preah Damer, Kampong Thom. More>>>
She is happy and proud (both at home and farm): A story of woman in Cambodia shows everyone has the rights to better livelihood

Ms. Him Sothea is an example of the woman who could change her life from nobody to a well-recognized organic rice farmer.
12 January 2016
Him Sothea, 49, a mother of three daughters, living in Chum Teavchreng Village, Tang Krous commune, Kampong Chhnang Province. Her older daughter is 21 years old, studying at university in Phnom Penh while the youngest is studying at grade 7 in the community. Ms. Sothea has been working in agricultural farming since she was young. Her parents and so do her grandparents were farmers. After her graduation at grade 6, she married and cultivated rice on one and a half hectares of land in the same way her ancestors had been doing. More>>>
Graduation Ceremony

Handover of the certificates. From left: H.E. Dr. Sum Map, H.E. Joachim Marschall von Bieberstein, H.E. DPM Dr. Sok An, Ms. Tean Saroth (SCU), Thomas Bernecker
Regardless of the official completion of the training, the students still keep on learning as they get special further training in the laboratory, with special scientific devices and new materials. So SCU can ensure that the work they carry out in various conservation projects in Angkor meet all the international standards.
11 January 2016
Siem Reap, Cambodia- The achievements of the young conservators of APSARA Stone Conservation Unit were acknowledged during a graduation ceremony at an internationals conference in Siem Reap.
ICC, the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor, is an international forum where experts in various fields can exchange their experiences and views for the preservation and development of the cultural heritage of Angkor. This 2-day- conference is held twice a year by APSARA Authority under the patronage of UNESCO. More>>>
Land Tenure Security for Pu Trom Community in Mondulkiri: An indigenous people community is celebrating the receipt of their collective land title

Senior Minister H.E. Im Chun Lim of MLMUPC handing over the collective land title to Mr. Reyeum Pcheul of Pu Trom Community.
30 December 2015
As the ninth of Cambodia’s indigenous peoples communities Pu Trom received its collective land title on November 30th. After successfully passing the various steps of the complex indigenous people communal land titling process, Senior Minister H.E. Im Chun Lim of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) handed over the communal land title to the community representatives during the land titling ceremony in Pu Trom Village.
Since 2005 GIZ’s Land Rights Program is advising MLMUPC in designing, piloting and implementing the process of the indigenous people communities land titling. So far nine communities in Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri received their collective land title. With the support of the Land Rights Program almost 40 more communities qualified for a collective land title and are in the process of receiving it during the next years. More>>>
Urban IDPoor Ready for Piloting
04 December 2015
September 29, 2015 – Since 2006, GIZ has supported the Cambodian Ministry of Planning (MOP) in developing and implementing a procedure to identify the country’s poor households. By now, the poverty identification in rural areas is a well-established process that is based on a participatory approach executed by villagers themselves, which greatly relies on trust within the community. More >>>
Testimonial Ceremony of TPO
On November 13, 2015, during Testimonial Ceremony of TPO, Khmer Rouge survivors were invited to process their traumatic experiences with a trained counselor during a series of confidential sessions. >>> More
Translating decentralization into action – DM Charter supports sub-national councils in setting their own rules and regulations
The National Committee for Sub-national Democratic Development (NCDD), which is responsible for the decentralization reform in Cambodia, adopted the District/Municipal Charter (DM Charter) during its meeting in August. Its goal is to strengthen district and municipal councils and to improve the performance of their administrations.
The DM Charter summarizes what is already ordained in the “Law on Administrative Management of Capital, Provinces, Municipalities, Districts and Khans” and other legislation: councils are autonomous bodies. More>>>
MoU Signing Ceremony for implementing Cambodia’s NAPs process
28 September 2015 at General Secretariat of National Council for Sustainable Development (GSSD), there is a signing ceremony on Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) and GIZ Cambodia, GIZ-Climate Finance Readiness Programme in order to support the implementation of National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process for Cambodia. More>>>
National forum promoting green production, its regulation, use and trade in Cambodia

Participants-includes-public-sector-and-regulators-practitioners-extension-workers-academia-NGOs-SMEs-farmers-and-private-sector.
08 September 2015
- Providing a platform to different stakeholders in the agricultural sector including the public sector and other regulators, practitioners, extension workers, academia, NGOs, SMEs, farmers and the private sector for sharing their experiences and identify synergies in promoting environmentally friendly agriculture production;
- Promoting the use of BCA and showcasing the benefits of BCA through visiting field trials; More>>>
A ‘Green Fungi’ improves farmers’ life
07 September 2015
Stories of Change: Othom Village, Kampong Thom Social Land Concession
Cambodian Land Recipients Raise Chickens to Improve Livelihoods
24 August 2015
“After receiving training, I had a new desire to raise chickens,” said Yem, an Othom Village land recipient.
In every direction one looks in Othom Village, chicken pens and gardens line the villagers’ houses. Chicken raising is now a priority and new interest for the people of this social land concession village in Kampong Thom, according to a recent agro-ecological assessment and agriculture needs assessment. More>>>
Improving the Management of Conservation Hotspots in Cambodia through Integrated Spatial Planning and Innovative Modelling Tools
30-31 July 2015
Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia – This July 50 representatives from government, academia, international organisations and civil society attended a workshop to discuss the possibility of using modelling software to better inform decision makers regarding the sustainable territorial development within their jurisdiction.
The two-day workshop, initiated by the provincial administration of Mondulkiri, WWF, the Royal University of Phnom Penh, and GIZ Land Rights Programme II, reviewed the possibility of using the modelling software ‘InVEST’ for sustainable spatial planning. More>>>
The Regional Fit for School Programme- More Group Washing Facilities Available in the Primary Schools
The Regional Fit for School Programme in Cambodia aims to prevent infectious diseases among public primary school students to improve school attendance through three simple and low-cost interventions: 1) daily hand washing with soap; 2) daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste; and 3) bi-annual deworming.
In July 2015, as part of the collaboration with UNICEF to expand the Fit for School Programme to more primary schools in Cambodia, 58 group washing facilities have been installed in 6 Primary Schools in Phnom Penh. More>>>
Public-Private Partnerships Support Vegetable Producers in Cambodia
20 August 2015
Siem Reap Province, Cambodia–In Siem Reap Province, commercial vegetable farmers are catching on to the benefits of public private partnerships. In less than a decade, public private partnerships have spurred local commercial vegetable production, planting roots for the sub-sector in Siem Reap.
The partnership between the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Agriculture (PDA) and supply companies have become a cornerstone of the GIZ Regional Economic Development (RED) Programme, and have created a new market opportunity, offering local produce to consumers. More>>>
New partnership: GIZ Land Rights Program II signed a MoU with Phnom Penh Capital Hall to jointly secure land tenure for urban poor settlers in the capital

Maraile Görgen, GIZ Land Rights Program II, and Mr. Mean Chanyada, Administration Director of Phnom Penh Capital Hall, are handing over to each other the signed MoU.
24 July 2015
Guided by the motto „Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because and only when they are created by everybody“ GIZ’s Land Rights Program II and Phnom Penh Capital Hall signed a MoU on July 10. With the technical support of GIZ, Phnom Penh Capital Hall aims to strengthen the capacity of their staff to identify and implement replicable, transparent and participatory procedures to provide land tenure security for urban poor settlers. More>>>
Be responsible, be profitable and be proud

Dr. Vinai Pitipont, Permanent Executive Technical Consultant to the Deputy Director takes Mr. Heang and Ms. Rothany Srun, entrepreneurs, for a tour at Central Lab Thai.
22 July 2015
Father and daughter exploring Thailand’s fruit juice standard in improving Cambodian SMEs market
Heang Srun and his daughter Rothany Srun want to develop their own fruit juice business in Cambodia, Mr. Srun’s home land.
Mr. Srun traveled from Minnesota, USA to meet his daughter in Bangkok, Thailand. Ms. Srun flew from Phnom Penh, Cambodia to see her father. They were going to visit four fruit production factories, one manufacturer, and one laboratory to learn about food standard and quality in the Thai food and beverage industry.
The four-day study trip was organized by German’s ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN SAS) with its goal to heighten food safety and quality standard in ASEAN countries. More>>>
Targeting Urban Poverty in Cambodia: Accuracy Matters
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – There is no room for mistakes when identifying urban poor households. As IDPoor Programme team from the Cambodian Ministry of Planning demonstrated at a March workshop, urban poor household identification requires accuracy in the questions evaluators ask and a reliable scoring system. More>>>
Community Based Organization Built in Othom Village Tipo Commune, Kampong Thom Province
In Kampong Thom Province, communities are working together to eradicate hunger. Since March 2015, the land recipient community of Othom village has established 16 communal food security interest groups, comprising of 10-22 households per group – driving the movement for communities to be self-reliant. Established on the principals of GIZ’s Improvement of Livelihood and Food Security (ILF) project, the food security interest group has received up to 700 kg of milled rice and has provided access to food for 300 households that are residing in a near-by new settlement. More>>>
Indigenous Community Representatives Report Improved Livelihoods to German Ambassador in Northeastern Cambodia

24 April 2015 – Meeting between German Ambassador H.E. Joachim Baron von Marschall and Kratie provincial working group co-chaired by H.E Sar Samrong, Provincial Governor, and H.E Dr. Sareth Boramy, Director of Land Distribution Sub Sector Program at MLMUPC, LASED Project Director (picture by GIZ).
April 23-28, 2015
Northeastern Cambodia – German Ambassador H.E. Joachim Baron von Marschall, senior GIZ officials and development partners visited a trip to Northern Cambodia to witness first-hand land tenure security and food security issues for indigenous communities. The field trip was an opportunity for officials to experience the challenges and achievements of GIZ’s Land Rights Programme (LRP), GIZ’s Improvement of Livelihood and Food Security (ILF) Project, and Deutsche Welthungerhlilfe (WHH)’s projects. More than 100 representatives joined the delegation to Kratie, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri and Tbong Khmum Provinces to learn about issues surrounding land tenure, food security and livelihood support for Idigenous Communities, and former landless and land-poor households. More>>>
WE MOVE! Cycling for Health and Environment
Corporate sustainability is the enterprise-related, systematic, strategy-based adoption of economic and social responsibility, responsibility for climate and environment, as well as political participation. The coordinated and continuous improvement in these fields supports the innovative abilities and sustainability of our company and increases the quality of our services in international cooperation for sustainable development. More>>>
Cambodia and Vietnam Exchange Experiences on Heritage Conservation

21 April 2015 – Battambang Master Plan Team shared experiences on Heritage Conservation in Battambang Municipality to Vietnamese Team.
A study trip on heritage conservation had been conducted to Hoi An city, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam in partnership between Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction and GIZ. The study trip was from April 20 – 23, 2015. Totally there were 19 people from National and Sub-National levels including Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, Takeo and Kandal provinces within the GIZ support to the Land Management Sub-Sector Program.
The study visit served to exchange the knowledge and experiences on preserving heritage and on urban planning and management, particularly between Battambang Municipality and Hoi An city. More>>>
Addressing the unsatisfactory delivery of public services: New National Program for Public Administrative Reform

H.E. Minister Pech highlighting ambitious future activities of Public Administrative Reform in fields such as public services, gender, e-government, human resource management, training of civil servants and pay reform.
20 May 2015
Phnom Penh – Teachers conducting exams without asking for extra money, health stations opening for full days providing adequate services, ID cards being issued at no additional charge within a reasonable period of time – such are behaviours of the civil service desired by citizens and the vision of the Royal Government of Cambodia.
In January 2015, the National Program for Public Administrative Reform (NPAR) 2015-2018 was officially approved by the Council of Ministers. This came as a big milestone after the Royal Government of Cambodia had established the Ministry of Civil Service in late 2013 for the purpose of overseeing and reforming all matters related to the public service and its workforce. More>>>
National Forum on Biological Control Agents shares success storiesy for sustainable agriculture in Cambodia
Introducing and promoting Biocontrol agents as an alternative to commonly used chemical agricultural inputs was at the core of the ‘National Forum on the regulation, trade and use of Biocontrol Agents (BCA) in Cambodian agriculture’ held from 22-23 April 2015 in Battambang, Cambodia.
The two-day workshop was hosted by the GIZ ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems project (ASEAN-SAS) in collaboration with the USAID Cambodia HARVEST funded program and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). More>>>
GIZ-ASEANSAI goes Parliament: Cooperation Agreement with National Assembly of Lao PDR

Daniel Blessing, GIZ Advisor to the ASEANSAI project, and Mr. Khampoun Phengthirath, Deputy Director General, Department of Planning and Finance, National Assembly of Lao PDR, exchange the signed cooperation agreement in Vientiane, Lao PDR
07 April 2015
A Supreme Audit Institution is a crucial institution in a state’s public finance system. They monitor how public money is spent according to rules and laws and whether the amount of money spent on certain issues is reasonable. With their annual reports, Supreme Audit Institutions provide valuable information to government, to parliament and civil society.
Established in 1998, Lao PDR’s Supreme Audit Institution is still relatively young among the other nine ASEAN member states. More>>>
Learning from Indonesia’s Experiences to inform Cambodia’s Sub-National Democratic Development (SNDD) Reform

Delegation from Cambodia exchanges experiences on the structure and management of civil service with the Indonesian Ministry of Bureaucracy Reform.
March 2015
Jakarta, Indonesia––With the wish to learn from the Indonesia’s practical decentralisation experiences, a Cambodian delegation visited Jakarta and West Java Province in March 2015. The delegation was led by H.E. Sak Setha, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Interior, and was interested in various topics that would contribute to their sub-national democratic development reform in Cambodia, including:
- Organization and management of Indonesia’s civil service;
- Personnel management and development practices of Indonesia’s local governments; and
- Assignment of functions, responsibilities and resources to Indonesia’s central and local government tiers. More>>>
Targeting Urban Poverty: IDPoor to expand to Cities
Cambodians, both rich and poor, are moving to the cities. One-in-five call a town or city their home and the urban population growth rate is double that of rural areas (UN data, 2010-15). Social services need to keep up with the population and reach the poor in urban areas just as well as in the countryside.
The IDPoor Programme of the Cambodian Ministry of Planning identifies poor households so that they can access targeted services to help improve their livelihoods. More>>>
Human capacity development tools for improving sanitation and hygiene practices among Cambodia’s public primary school children
Phnom Penh – GIZ, in collaboration with School Health Department of Ministry of Education Youth and Sports launched the School and Community Manual and Video for the Fit for School Programme, aiming to improve sanitation and hygiene in schools throughout Cambodia. The materials are human capacity development tools that will be used to train school teachers and communities to implement the Fit for School Program in their schools. More>>>
Inauguration of the Memorial to Victims of the Democratic Kampuchea Regime at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sok An (Right), Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Cambodian Royal Government Task Force on the Khmer Rouge Trials, and H.E. Joachim Baron von Marschall (Lelf), German Ambassador to Cambodia, pull the strings to inaugurate a Memorial to Victims of the Democratic Kampuchea Regime (Khmer Rouge regime), this morning at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh
@Photo: Khim Sovannara,
Agence Kampuchea Presse
26 March 2015
Phnom Penh, the Victims Support Section (VSS) of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) together with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Royal Government of Cambodia inaugurated a Memorial to Victims of the Democratic Kampuchea Regime, built for the dedication to and in memory of all victims of the Democratic Kampuchea regime, especially to the at least 12,272 victims who were unlawfully detained, subjected to inhumane conditions, forced labour and torture, and eventually killed at Toul Sleng detention center, the execution site of Choeung Ek, or the labour camp of Prey Sar (S-24).
More than 300 national and international guests, including survivors of Khmer Rouge regime, students and several dignitaries gathered around the Memorial on the compound of the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, listening to the presided-over Chairmen – H.E. Dr. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Cambodian Royal Government Task Force on the Khmer Rouge Trials; and H.E. Joachim Baron von Marschall, German Ambassador to Cambodia. More>>>
18 Young Cambodian Stone Conservators Pass Final Exam
24 March 2015
Siem Reap, Cambodia – It was a special day for the 18 students of APSARA Stone Conservation Unit: After two years of intense training they were about to finish their studies with a final exam last Monday.
APSARA is the only Cambodian institution offering a vocational training programme to become a Stone Conservator in Cambodia. It addresses the urgent need for skilled conservators to safeguard the temples of Angkor and others located in remote areas. The programme puts the care of Cambodian heritage back into the hands of local people.
The design of the two-year training programme was based on the German vocational training system. The curriculum consists of theoretical lessons and guided practical work. Following the specially developed “Handbook Stone Conservation and Restoration in Angkor”, the students learned how to classify types of natural rocks; their cultural history; how to assess damage on decorated temple walls and how to treat them accordingly. More>>>
In Memoriam of Dr. Franz-Volker Müller (August 03, 1950 – March 22, 2015)
សូមគោរពមិត្តរួមការងារនិងមិត្តភក្តិ,
យើងមានការសោកស្តាយខ្លាំងណាស់ដែល លោកបណ្ឌិត Franz-Volker Müller (អ្នកគ្រប់គ្រងកម្មវិធី សិទ្ធិដីធ្លីនៅក្នុងប្រទេសកម្ពុជា) ដែលជាបុគ្គលិកយូរអង្វែងរបស់អង្គការ GIZ បានទទួលមរណៈភាពនៅលើជើងហោះហើរចេញពីទីក្រុងភ្នំពេញទៅកាន់ទីក្រុងវ៉ាស៊ីនតោន ឆ្លងកាត់ទីក្រុងសេអ៊ូលនៅថ្ងៃអាទិត្យទី 22 ខែមិនាឆ្នាំ 2015 ដែលបានកើតឡើងមុនថ្ងៃខួបកំណើតទី 65 របស់គាត់។ លោកបណ្ឌិតMüllerបានទទួលមរណៈភាពខណៈពេលគាត់កំពុងទទួលទានដំណេកនៅលើយន្តហោះពេលចុះចតនៅទីក្រុងសេអ៊ូល។
លោកបណ្ឌិតFranz-Volker Müllerទទួលបានការគោរពយ៉ាងខ្លាំងពីសហការីនិងមានកិត្តិយសកេរ្តិ៍ឈ្មោះល្បីល្បាញ នៅក្នុងកិច្ចសហប្រតិបត្តិការអន្តរជាតិជាច្រើនឆ្នាំប្រកបដោយការទទួលខុសត្រូវខ្ពស់ ។
គាត់បានរួមចំណែកយ៉ាងច្រើនដល់កេរ្តិ៍ឈ្មោះអន្តរជាតិ / កិត្យានុភាពដែលអង្គការ GIZ មាននៅក្នុងប្រទេសអាល្លឺម៉ង់និងនៅបរទេសផងដែរ។ ក្រៅពីនេះលោកបានដឹកនាំរួមចំណែកដើម្បីផ្ដល់ឱ្យមានការកែលម្អស្ថានភាពរស់នៅរបស់មនុស្សជាច្រើននៅក្នុងប្រទេសកំពុងអភិវឌ្ឍន៍។
គាត់មិនត្រឹមតែស័ក្តសមនឹងទទួលបានការដឹងគុណដ៏ស្មោះស្ម័គ្រចំពោះកិច្ចការដ៏អស្ចារ្យរបស់គាត់ ប៉ុណ្ណោះទេប៉ុន្តែ លោកនឹងស្ថិតនៅក្នុងការចងចាំរបស់យើងថាជាមិត្តរួមការងារដែលខិតខំប្រឹងប្រែង និងមិត្តភក្តិដ៏ស្មោះត្រង់ម្នាក់។
យើងសូមចូលរួមរំលែកទុក្ខជាមួយនឹងក្រុមគ្រួសាររបស់លោក។
យើងនឹងមិនអាចបំភ្លេចលោកបណ្ឌិតVolkerបានទេ។លោកនឹងស្ថិតនៅក្នុងការចងចាំនិងក្នុងដួងចិត្តរបស់យើងដោយសេចក្ដីគោរពជារៀងរហូត ។
ជាមួយការកាន់ទុក្ខដ៏ជ្រៅនិងទុក្ខព្រួយ,
ប្រធាននិង បុគ្គលិកអង្គការGIZ ប្រទេសកម្ពុជា
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Dear Colleagues and Friends,
We are very sad to inform you, that all of a sudden and quite unexpectedly our long-standing employee, Dr. Franz-Volker Müller (Programme Manager for the Land Rights Programme in Cambodia), has died on the flight from Phnom Penh to Washington via Seoul on Sunday, March 22, 2015; just short before his 65th birthday. Dr. Müller passed away while sleeping, before landing in Seoul.
As a longtime, popular, deservedly esteemed and very respected colleague Dr. Franz-Volker Müller has been engaged in the international cooperation all these years tirelessly with a high sense of responsibility.
He has contributed a lot to the international reputation/prestige which GIZ has in Germany and abroad. Besides, he decisively gave important impulses to improve the living conditions of many people in the developing countries.
Not only he deserves our heartfelt gratitude for all his great work, but also he will be remembered as a dedicated colleague and a loyal friend.
We feel connected with his family in the pain and the sorrow of his unexpected departure.
We will not forget “Volker”; his memory will remain in our minds and hearts with great honor and respect.
In deep mourning and sorrow,
GIZ Cambodia
Country Director and Colleagues
Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
A Study Tour to Thailand
The GIZ-ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN-SAS) project in Cambodia has brought people together to strengthen the capacity of farmers in organic production techniques, to help them establish linkages to international markets. To that end, the technical staff of GIZ ASEAN-SAS (Cambodia and Thailand), the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC), and CEDAC Sahakreas Ltd. (SKC) undertook a study tour to Thailand, which took place 25-29 January 2015. The aims of the study tour were:
- To share experiences with entities working in the organic food sector in Thailand,
- To study agricultural best practices, including CO2 fumigating procedure for organic rice, and
- To strengthen the network between practitioners in the organic agriculture sector. More>>>
Training Project: Support for Maritime Chains and Clusters in the Pan-Beibu Gulf Region
02 March 2015
Improving logistic performance in hinterland is considered to be the main factor for ports efficiency and fostering regional integration. Therefore, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) supports regional integration through the “Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration in Asia” Programme. In the light of the ongoing programme phase the Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has commissioned the Institute for Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) to develop training curricula for the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port (Kingdom of Cambodia) and implement trainings to support maritime chains and clusters in the Pan-Beibu Gulf Region. This training project started in September 2014 with a pre-assessment of training needs and an initial training and continued in January 2015 with one week-long training conducted in Phnom Penh.
In January 19-23, 2015, the second training under the topic “Support for Maritime Chains and Clusters in the Pan-Beibu Gulf Region” was conducted. During the week, the two lecturers – Prof Dr. Hans Dietrich Haasis and Dr. Irina Dovbischuk worked simultaneously with two groups. Each group consisting of about 20-25 participants. More>>>

Dr. Irina Dovbischuk (t.h.l) and Prof. Dr. Hans-Dietrich Haasis (t.h.r.) give an overview on cluster development and port marketing for group “Cloud” and “Mobility”
Indonesia and the Philippines share experiences on the process of functional and resource transfer to sub-national administration
Phnom Penh, two experts from Indonesia and the Philippines shared their experiences on how responsibilities for basic service delivery have been transferred with the necessary financial and personnel resources to local governments in their countries with various Ministries and representatives of sub-national administrations in Cambodia. More >>>
Village health volunteer educates pregnant women on antenatal care and birth
By Navy Kieng

© UNICEF Cambodia/2014/Navy Kieng
Mrs. Sophy, the village health volunteer, explains pregnancy to women in her village.
16 February 2015
Kampong Thom, Cambodia, 2 September 2014 – In the remote Cambodian village of Porproak, mothers and pregnant women sit quietly on the ground under a wooden house listening intently at a session organised by village health volunteer, Mrs. Sophy. On a chair in front of the group she holds up pictures and explains what antenatal care services are, and how to prepare for birth. When she asks what the women learned from the session, it is amazing to see her audience enthusiastically engage with each other to provide the answers. More >>>
Development between Production and Protection: International Summer School Addresses Land Policy Issues
PHNOM PENH - The 6th International Summer School, Comprehensive Land Policy – Fundamental for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development was held by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), jointly organized with the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), and the Technical University Munich (TUM), in partnership with GIZ. More >>>
The 5th Project Partner Meeting of the:
“ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems The 6th Meeting of the ASEAN BCA Expert Groups on Application and Regulation The 1st Meeting of the ASEAN Soil and Nutrient Management Expert Group The Dialogue on ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework”
02 – 04 December 2014
PRESS RELEASE
Nay Pyi Taw, 02 December 2014: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the German International Cooperation (GIZ) together with the Department of Agriculture of Myanmar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation organized the 5th Project Partner Meeting of the “ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems” and related meetings on 2-4 December 2004 at Shwe Pyi Taw Hotel, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. More >>>
‘Our Health Center Midwife’ – Safer deliveries and improved quality of care at the Chey Health Centre

“I am happy that I have been increasingly recognized for my work as a midwife at Chey health center” (Ms.Sun Phany)
08 December 2014
The situation in 2009 / 2010
Chey Health Center
Location: Kon Thnot village, Chey commune, Kampong Thom
(rural Cambodia)
Population: 9,803 persons (15 villages)
Poverty rate (date): 25%
Staff in 2010: 5
Founded in: 1990
When Ms Sun Phany, a 24 year-old and newly graduated primary midwife started working at Chey Health Centre in 2009, she experienced challenges like many other midwifes all around rural Cambodia. More >>>
ASEAN Builds Strong Dispute Settlement Mechanisms
SIEM REAP, Cambodia– ASEAN is strongly committed to establishing dispute settlement mechanisms in all fields of cooperation, said the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, H.E. AKP Mochtan, in his opening remarks at a workshop to familiarize stakeholders with ASEAN Dispute Settlement Mechanisms (DSM) held in Siem Reap, Cambodia last week. “DSM is a key component in the realisation of a rules-based community, where the rule of law is strengthened and disputes are resolved through peaceful means with legal certainty and predictability,” DSG Mochtan told the participants.
According to DSG Mochtan, the successful conclusion of the Protocol to the ASEAN Charter on Dispute Settlement Mechanism in 2010 has shown ASEAN’s strong commitment to realise the ASEAN Charter’s objective of creating dispute settlement mechanisms in all fields of ASEAN cooperation. “This Protocol to the ASEAN Charter, together with the existing Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the Protocol on Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism (EDSM), is a significant achievement in establishing reliable and trustworthy dispute settlement mechanisms,” he added.
In his remarks, H.E. Dr. SOK Siphana, Advisor to the Royal Government of Cambodia and Chairman of Board of Directors of the Cambodian Development Research Institute stated that “I believe that workshop would provide an excellent opportunity for all participants to obtain new knowledge and best lessons-learned with regard to the ASEAN disputes settlement mechanisms to better prepare themselves for the arrival of the ASEAN Community in 2015, which is only one year ahead and beyond.”
The Workshop, which was attended by Cambodian participants from various line Ministries, practicing lawyers, think-tanks, private and financial institutions and civil society organisations, as well as ASEAN Secretariat staff members, provided a forum for participants to exchange views and ideas with speakers and experts on ensuring the effectiveness of these mechanisms within both national and regional contexts. There was also a panel discussion that focused on challenges and next steps on the ASEAN Protocol on EDSM.
The Workshop was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat and with the support of the “Capacity Building for the ASEAN Secretariat” project, a partnership between the ASEAN Secretariat and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, which is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.
The press release was prepared by the ASEAN Secretariat.
For more information, please visit: http://www.asean.org/
Support for Maritime Chains and Clusters in the Pan-Beibu Gulf Region
21 October 2014
The ASEAN-China Pan-Beibu Gulf (ACPBG) Economic Cooperation was jointly launched in 2006 by ASEAN member states and the PRC. It puts strong emphasis on maritime trade and port cooperation and identifies, among others, two priority sectors: ports and logistics and trade finance.
Improving the logistic performance in hinterland is considered to be the main factor for ports efficiency and growth. Therefore the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has commissioned the Institute for Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) to develop training curricula for the Autonomous Port of Phnom Penh (Kingdom of Cambodia) and implement trainings to support maritime chains and clusters in the Pan-Beibu Gulf Region. This training project started in September 2014.
Prof. Dr. Hans-Dietrich Haasis and Dr. Irina Dovbishuk visited the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port in September 06-09, 2014 for initial trainings and further assessment of the current situation in the port. Meetings with Mr. Hei Bavy and his senior management of Phnom Penh Autonomous Port were held to discuss topics like sustainable port management, integrative IT-management of port, seaport marketing, logistics and hinterland transport, transport corridors, cluster formation and port cooperation. On September 7th training needs were also further identified in the framework of an excursion to the New Container Terminal Low Mekong 17 of Phnom Penh Autonomous Port. The ISL team also reached out to the private sector for further assessment. Important port-oriented supply chain actors like Cambodian Freight Forwarders Association (CAMFFA), Cambodia Trucking Association (CAMTA), Teng Lay Group, KAMSAB, Mitsui O.S.L. Lines and Toll Royal Railway where questioned about pressing issues. One of the challenges for logistic companies is the unsufficient logistic knowledge of human capital in the country.
The second training is scheduled for January 2015.
For further information about the GIZ “Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration in Asia” programme please refer to: http://www.scribd.com/RCI%20Asia
Contact Details
GIZ
Regional Economic Cooperation in Asia (RCI) Programme
Magnus Brod,
ISL
Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics
Dr. Irina Dovbishuk,
GIZ
Sustainable Port Development in the ASEAN Region Programme
Ms. Patricia Lauko,
Poverty Eradication in Progress
Seminar Discusses Poverty Reduction Policies in Cambodia and Beyond
12 August 2014
Combatting poverty and bringing about better living conditions remains one of the cornerstones of international German development cooperation. In Cambodia, Germany, in cooperation with Australia, has been supporting the IDPoor programme for a number of years as a thematically cross-cutting issue within its good governance portfolio.
On August 12, 2014, the German Embassy and GIZ organised a session on poverty with participants from the Cambodian Ministry of Planning, bilateral and multilateral development partners and non-governmental organisations. The session was moderated by Ole Doetinchem, GIZ team leader of the Identification of Poor Households Programme support project. In a brief presentation, he outlined the key aspect of how IDPoor works and what issues the programme is currently working on:
IDPoor is a nationwide poverty targeting mechanism run by the Cambodian Ministry of Planning. It systematically identifies poor households to enable targeted poverty alleviation interventions. To achieve accurate results that are accepted by the local population, the programme has adopted a process combining means testing and participatory local consultation.
At present, the IDPoor programme is carrying out its eighth annual identification round, covering the provinces Kampong Speu, Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong, Mondul Kiri, Preah Sihanouk, Prey Veng and Svay Rieng.
IDPoor Programme Looks Forward
As a future priority, the IDPoor team is currently developing the procedures for programme extension into urban areas. Simultaneously, the IDPoor database is being moved to the cloud to enable better data access and offer web-based services to its users. IDPoor is also considering current trends in poverty and how its data may support combatting vulnerability.
Internationally, Germany has supported the Chronic Poverty Advisory Network in publishing the third Chronic Poverty Report. Dr Chiara Mariotti outlined the report’s key findings and how this report relates to poverty eradication efforts in Cambodia:
- Achieving the goal of Zero Extreme Poverty by 2030 requires a new public policy approach to understanding and acting on poverty. This approach requires three action areas: (i) tackling chronic poverty (i.e. bringing people up to the poverty line); (ii) stopping impoverishment; (iii) and sustaining the escapes people make out of extreme poverty.
- World-wide evidence, demonstrates that there are three sets of policies that work in achieving all the three goals above:
(i) Social assistance including cash transfers or employment programmes to help the poorest get closer to the poverty line and provide a safety net against impoverishment;
(ii) Massive investment in pre-school, primary, and post-primary education, ensuring access and quality to all, including poor children;
(iii) A bundle of policies that promote pro-poor growth. These include industrial policies that promote expansion of labour-intensive sectors, coupled with apprenticeship schemes or training to match skills to opportunities; the promotion of small and medium enterprises; labour legislation that ensures that the jobs created. pay a decent salary and respect minimum health and safety conditions. These three sets of policies will then have to be complemented by more specific interventions tailored to each country’s poverty dynamics.
- Designing the policies needed to tackle chronic poverty, stop impoverishment and support escapes from poverty requires panel surveys, which follow the same households over several years, enabling the tracking of movements in and out of poverty. Significant investment in national (and sub-national) panel data by governments, donors and international institutions need to be part of the effort of eradicating extreme poverty.
You can download the Chronic Poverty Report at http://www.odi.org/chronic-poverty
ASEANSAI Setting Clear and Measurable Goals for Success

The author (middle) sitting with workshop participants discussing indicators for the ASEANSAI Strategic Plan.
26 August 2014
When I was younger, I used to ask my mom the time she would come home from work to play with me. She used to tell me: “I´ll be there at 4.30pm; I took the car to get home quickly.” Every day, at 4pm I would sit in the kitchen, checking the hour regularly to see when my mom would arrive. If she arrived after 4.30, I would reproach her with the exact amount of minutes she was late and ask her to give a reason. If she blamed the traffic, I would try to convince her that she should take the bike next time, to avoid being late again.
Simply put, this is what strategic planning and monitoring is all about:
- Set a clear and measurable goal: be home at 4.30pm.
- Decide on a strategy to achieve the goal: take the car.
- Check on the achievement or failure: number of minutes late.
- Discuss reasons for failure: traffic jam.
- Revise the strategy to avoid future failure: go by bike.
In a regional organization of 10 Supreme Audit Institutions from ASEAN countries (ASEANSAI) deciding on strategic goals and setting up monitoring systems is much more complex, especially when dealing with good financial governance issues. Yet, the logic remains the same.
In a 4-day Workshop in May, participants from 6 members of ASEANSAI discussed how the goals of their ASEANSAI Strategic Plan can be amended with measurable indicators and what activities they needed to pursue to achieve the defined goals. As in other monitoring workshops, the challenge proved to be in the trade-off between relevance of indicators and costs for data collection. The ASEANSAI participants opted for a pragmatic solution: do not set goals too high and include proxy indicators for goals that are difficult to measure. I would like to recommend that approach to everybody dealing with monitoring on governance related topics.
For more information contact
Bio-agriculture Input Sector Pushes ‘Green Center’ Forward in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, Cambodia –Six private and social business companies leading the local market in providing inputs for agriculture and trainings in organic agriculture sent eleven of their representatives to join GIZ for a consulation this week. GIZ ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (Biocontrol) program hosted the consultation with local companies to discuss moving the concept of a ‘green center’ in Cambodia forward. The new center will aim to bring bio-agricultural companies under one roof, to provide their high quality inputs for a sustainable and environment friendly sound agriculture. Open to the public, the center plans to act as platform for training and dialog activities for national and international development partners, extension workers and farmers, and will provide seminars to consumers interested in learning about agriculture and urban gardening.
To push their vision forward, the participants of the workshop developed an action plan to map out the next steps for the center.
Companies that joined the consultations have the common aim to promote sustainable agriculture with little or no chemical (organic) use. These companies include Bayon Heritage Holding Group Co, Ltd., Angkor Green Investment and Development Co. Ltd., EX-M (Cambodia) Co. Ltd., iDE Cambodia, and Entrée Baitang Co. Ltd., which met at the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC).
For more information on the development of Cambodia’s first ‘Green Center’ contact:
Mr. Claudius Bredehöft
National Project Coordinator Cambodia
ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (Biocontrol)
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
M +855 12 21 54 30
Organic Food Certification Gives Consumers Confidence to Go Organic
11 August 2014
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Issues of food safety and nutrition have become a part of public discussions in many countries. Also in Cambodia, the number of people who are concerned about the quality of food and make an effort to consume safe and healthy foodstuff is continuously increasing. When in search of wholesome food, organic is the best option. However, many people rightfully ask, “How do we know that it is really organic? How can we trust claims that certain rice, fruits or vegetables were produced organically?” Commonly, certification of producers and processors is the means to enable consumers to trust products.
To gain consumer trust in organic products, the Cambodian Organic Agriculture Association (COrAA), with support from GIZ, is developing a certification system for the domestic market. To independently certify processes throughout the value chains for organic, chemical-free or other food production standards has been the founding mission of COrAA since 2006. However, it was only in 2010 that COrAA started to conduct inspections and to develop a certification system. Currently over 30 producers have obtained certification based either on the Standard for Organic Crop Production or the Standards for Chemical-free Crop Production.
On request, COrAA sends an independent inspector to inspect the farm, plantation, or food processing operations. Farmers are inspected individually, or in a group. Smallholders usually
join an organic producer association or a cooperative, which have set-up an Internal Control System to safeguard the integrity of the organic quality of their products.
All persons dealing with the products are identified, registered, instructed on the requirements for organic certification and contracted to ensure compliance. The activities of the persons involved are then monitored in a system of regular visits and documentary control. The inspectors of the group visit every field at least twice during the growing season and record their findings. COrAA’s inspectors check if the group can manage its control system. During the inspection they check different areas of the farms at random.
Farms and processors are inspected once a year, while organic vegetable producers are examined twice a year. However, certification bodies also have to conduct unscheduled inspections to assure that producers follow standards. During the audit, the inspector assesses the producer’s understanding of basic organic farming rules and tests for the possible contamination of organic fields with chemicals from adjacent fields. Then, the inspector will check the fields and all storage facilities, including the farmer’s house. The findings are summarized in the inspection report. Deviations or non-conformities and corrective measures will be pointed out. The COrAA-assigned inspector has to discuss the findings with the farmer or operator.
After this, the inspection report is submitted to the Certification Committee, which is composed of three people independent from COrAA. Based upon the review, the committee will decide if certification can be granted. COrAA can reject an application for certification if the respective standards were not met, or if they were violated.
Certification is expressed to the public by COrAA’s certification marks, also known as labels. These are marks of conformity, not to be confused with trademarks. A mark can only be used on products which come from farms that have been certified based on one of COrAA’s standards.
COrAA strives to further professionalize its certification system by upgrading the skills of the inspectors and the certification managers as well as by further defining the certification processes. In addition to cooperating with regional certification bodies that are members of the Certification Alliance (CertAll), COrAA is also working towards the recognition of its certification system by other ASEAN member countries. In the future, COrAA hopes to offer certification for international markets such as the EU at reasonable costs through CertAll members, which have obtained respective accreditation.
The Certification Alliance includes members from China, India, Nepal as well as several ASEAN countries. The aim is to improve exporting conditions for Cambodian organic products to reach buyers in the region.
COrAA is also preparing the certification for food products obtained through ‘wild collection’, such as honey. Commercial inputs for organic agriculture, such as organic fertilizers, are another area of concern. Furthermore, COrAA currently prepares guidelines for organic inputs to enable the certification of such products.
For more information, please contact Mr. Winfried Scheewe (email: [email protected]).
Signing ceremony for Memorial at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
German Ambassador Joachim Baron von Marschall and GIZ Country Director Mr. Adelbert Eberhardt witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by H.E. Chuch Poeurn, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and H.E. Kranh Tony, Acting Director of the office of Administration of Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) on the establishment of a memorial for Khmer Rouge victims at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phnom Penh, on 10 July 2014.
The funds for this memorial have been provided by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through German Organization for International Cooperation (GIZ) as part of the German support for the ECCC Reparation Program 2013-2017, an extensive program of eleven reparation projects and five non-judicial measure projects for the benefit of the victims of the Khmer Rouge which is coordinated by the Victims Support Section of the ECCC.
Please follow the link below for the speech of the German Ambassador Joachim Baron von Marschall:
http://www.phnom-penh.diplo.de/Vertretung/phnompenh/en/00__start/Unterzeichnung_20MoU_20-_20Bo_20Rede.html
GIZ Alumni Collaborate on Green Strategies for the Future
07 July 2014
Siem Reap, Cambodia – GIZ support to the development of countries throughout Southeast Asia has led to a growing number of alumni over the years. The expertise and experiences of GIZ alumni have supported change and development processes within this region.
The GIZ Regional Alumni Networking Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Green Sector in Siem Reap, Cambodia from June 12 to 14, 2014 was an opportunity for alumni to synergise, collaborate on regional cooperation in Southeast Asia and discuss cross-sectorial issues, particularly in the area of network establishment and management between the field of TVET and the green sector.
H.E. Dr. Say Samal, Minister of Environment, Cambodia opened the conference with Mr. Adelbert Eberhardt, GIZ Cambodia Country Director. In his opening remarks, H.E. Samal underlined the impact of vocational education in his country and the importance of international collaboration on subjects such as green investments and green technology.
Within three days, conference participants gained insights on the green strategies of partner countries. Alumni presented green projects from their respective countries, as well as in the final results of the transfer projects from the three ILT programmes (Master Trainer in TVET, Media Development in TVET, and TVET, Climate Change and Green Jobs) of the TVET sector.
The conference, attended by about 150 alumni programme participants and employers, also marked the close of the GIZ programme Regional Leadership and Capacity Development in TVET in Lao PDR, Indonesia and Vietnam.The joint conference aimed to:
- Recognise and promote the importance of regional cooperation both in the area of improving quality and relevance of education and training of TVET teachers and in the green sector;
- Develop proposals for regional multi-stakeholder partnerships and cooperation in fields of TVET teacher and instructor education;
- Prepare the structure and establishment of a TVET alumni network for Southeast Asia; and
- Prepare the guiding framework for the proposed Southeast Asian regional alumni network of Green Sector professionals.
From the TVET sector, each country presented how their programme was developed, structured and what the next steps are for the establishment of TVET networks. Employers from Lao PDR, Indonesia and Vietnam were invited to state
their expectations for their national alumni networks and to develop ideas on how to support their success. The goal: to establish a regional TVET alumni network in Southeast Asia.
The conference’s green sector emphasis focused on the progress of establishing a Southeast Asian regional alumni network: a network, which could serve as an umbrella association for the Green Sector Networks of Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal and the Philippines. As an outcome the network’s vision has been established: By 2020, to be recognised as one the prime movers in the Green Sector. Additionally, the mission of the Southeast Asia Green Sector Network (SEAGN) has been developed, organizational structures defined and an action plan through end-2014 has been decided.
The formal launch of the network has been planned November 2014 at the next network meeting, which will take place in the Philippines. Stay tuned for more information on the development of the Southeast Asia Green Sector Network.
Stakeholders Consultation on Reparations for Victims of Khmer Rouge
A successful Stakeholders Consultation on Case 002/02 Reparations: Lessons Learned, Best Practices & Next Steps, presided over by H.E. Tony KRANH, Acting Director of the Administration Office of the Extraordinary Chamber in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), was conducted on 11 June 2014 in Phnom Penh.
In preparation for the next trial, Case 002/02 which is about to start End of July 2014, the Victims Support Section and the Lead Co-Lawyers Section of the ECCC consulted with civil party lawyers and representatives of civil society organizations, victims associations, state authorities, and donors to identify and discuss potential reparation requests for the benefit of victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. A wide variety of criminal charges will be included in this next trial, including the genocide of ethnic minorities, forced marriages and rape, and internal purges. Accordingly, the Victims Support Section and Lead Co-Lawyers Section are seeking to develop a diverse range of reparation projects that will address the specific harms suffered as a consequence of the crimes charged, and bring redress to civil parties.
Voices of Participants:
“I am very satisfied with the Stakeholders Consultation, which provided an opportunity to discuss projects that will benefit civil parties of Case 002/02. I wish to make an appeal to national and international donors to please make a donation to our requested reparation projects.”
Mr. CHUM Mey
Civil Party in Case 002 and President of Ksem Ksan Victims Association
++
“I think that this was an excellent opportunity for stakeholders to sit together and discuss the issue of reparations in Case 002/02 for the interest of the civil parties. It was a meaningful and dynamic consultation between the participants and organizers, who collaborated to formulate reparation projects and to request financial support from potential donors.”
Mr. Peou Dara VANTHAN
Deputy Director, Documentation Center of Cambodia
+++++++
GIZ supports Royal Government of Cambodia to Kick-off Efforts to Improve Public Service Efficiency

H.E. Keat Chhun, Deputy Prime Minister and guests attend the opening session of the National Workshop for Administrative Reform 2014 – 2018.
25 June 2015
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Parents seeking a quality public education for their children; citizens requiring an ID card or a marriage certificate; a small entrepreneur wanting to register her business; the victim of petty crime awaiting a police investigation – these people all have one thing in common: in times of need, they are expecting efficient and effective public services from their government. Yet as everybody in Cambodia knows, this is not always the case. With the aim to provide more effective and efficient public services, the government of Cambodia has pledged to reform its public administration.
To support this process, the newly established Ministry of Civil Service is working to establish a new 5-year National Programme for Administrative Reform 2014-2018.
The Ministry of Civil Service, with the support of German Development Cooperation provided through the “Decentralisation and Administrative Reform Programme” that implemented by GIZ, organised a National Workshop on 29-30 April 2014 to review progress made on public administrative reform. The purpose of the workshop was to consult with more than 300 representatives from ministries and institutions at national and sub-national level on the next stage of the reform.
The Ministry of Civil Service commenced by outlining the three core strategies of the administrative reform: 1) strengthening the quality and delivery of public services; 2) strengthening the management and development of human resources within the Civil Service; and 3) further reforming the compensation regime of civil servants.
Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports presented their achievements in improving public service delivery in order to provide participants with insights into effective approaches and practices.
The World Bank and the German Embassy, as development partner representatives, took the opportunity to voice their support for ongoing administrative reform and encouraged the ministry to take a demand-driven approach to implementation in order to engender ownership and ensure that the reforms address ministry priorities and are harmonised with sectoral reforms.

Participants and guests at the National Workshop for Public Administrative Reform 2014-2018, on 29-30 April 2014 held at Intercontinental Hotel.
Participants were then invited to participate in discussion groups on the topics of public service delivery; human resource management; human resource development and remuneration. Facilitated discussions encouraged participants to share current practices and trends; to identify issues and constraints; and to identify priorities for the next phase of administrative reform.
These discussions demonstrated awareness of a growing demand for reform among civil servants that is driven by following points:
- Cambodian citizens are better educated and more informed; they expect improved public services and a more responsive government; and they are less willing to accept the need to make informal payments;
- Cambodia’s objective of becoming a middle-income country by 2030, and a well-integrated member of ASEAN, as well as an internationally accepted player in the global economy;
- Civil servants want to be well-respected members of a society and be appreciated for their contribution to the well-being of their nation; and
- The civil service needs to compete with a burgeoning private sector to attract and retain qualified and well-motivated staff.
In his closing speech, His Excellency Pich Bunthin, the new Minister of Civil Service, stressed that the workshop “created an important public forum to review experience and to identify in-depth actions for public administration reform”. It presented a clear message to all ministries and institutions that they hold ownership and are accountable for effective reform in their sectors, and are therefore responsible for adopting a proactive approach in implementing the National Programme for Administration Reform.
The National Workshop will be followed by a series of targeted workshops to focus on aspects of the reform programme in order to develop a broad base consensus on how best approach its implementation. It is envisaged that the national programme will be finalised in coming months, will focus on early successes to build momentum and commitment while at the same time gradually introducing more fundamental longer term reforms.
GIZ Regional Fit for School Programme Ready for Expansion
4 June 2014
Kompong Chhnang, Kompot, Kompong Thom, Phnom Penh and Takeo Provinces, Cambodia – Diseases related to lack of hygiene, such as diarrhea and respiratory infections, are still the leading cause of death for children living in Cambodia. By the time children enter school, more than half are diagnosed with intestinal worms and vast majorities have dental caries, virtually all untreated. Compared to healthy pupils, students suffering from pain and disease are frequently absent from school, sleep less, and demonstrate an overall lower academic performance: Health status and school performance are closely related.
GIZ’s Regional Fit for School Programme in Cambodia aims to prevent infectious diseases among public primary school students with the aim to improve school attendance through three simple and low-cost interventions: 1) daily hand washing with soap; 2) daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste; and 3) bi-annual deworming.
8,000 students in Cambodia benefit from hygiene programme, 100,000 to follow
The programme has been supporting the School Health Department of the Ministry of Education Youth and Sport (MoEYS) of Cambodia implement its schemes since December 2011. Since programme inception in Cambodia, nearly 8,000 students have benefitted from improved hygiene in ten public primary schools in Phnom Penh and other four provinces: Kompot; Takeo; Kompong Thom; and Kompong Chhnang. This regional programme is also being implemented in three other countries: Lao PDR, Indonesia and the Philippines. The programme aims to further support the MoEYS to scale up the program in collaboration with other partners to benefit 103,000 more primary students in Cambodia by 2015.
Regional programme partners include SEAMEO INNOTECH, a regional center of the South-East Asian Ministers of Education Organization.
Partners collaborate to improve programme expansion support
After two years of programme implementation, the Regional Fit for School Programme in Cambodia is now supporting the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport prepare for programme expansion in collaboration with partner organisations active in water, sanitation and hygiene projects (WASH) in schools, namely UNICEF Cambodia, ESC-BORDA and World Vision Cambodia. The programme expansion is led by the School Health Department of the MoEYS, and is supported financially by partner organisations that include daily group hand washing in schools in their respective WASH programmes. GIZ provides technical assistance on integrating daily hygiene activities in these programmes and instruction on how to support schools to construct necessary group washing facilities.
The geographical areas covered by the expansion include: additional schools in the five existing Regional Fit for School provinces, plus schools in Siem Reap and Preah Vihear provinces. To prepare for the expansion, the Regional Fit for School Programme team has been working very closely with the School Health Department and partners, and has been preparing and finalising programme tools necessary for building the capacity of educational officers at sub-national level. This capacity development will prepare the officers for the implementation of daily hygiene practice at the schools. The tools, which can also be used by the schools and communities to reinforce their participation in the programme, include the Fit for School School-Community Manual and video, and a group washing facilities catalogue. All materials were developed jointly with the MoEYS.
Parallel to this expansion, the Regional Fit for School Programme is introducing a new group hand washing facility design, which includes low-cost and easy-to-install features, while saving water. The design is able to accommodate 22 children at a time, has been tested successfully, and installed in approximately 100 locations in the Philippines. Currently, a prototype of the facility is being produced in Cambodia and following a successful test run, the program will work with partners to introduce the design and installation in the expansion schools. For more information on the design facility visit the Facebook group on Hardware for Group Hand Washing in Schools: https://www.facebook.com/groups/632408213516487/
With promising prospect, the Regional Fit for School Programme is committed to continuing collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure that the expansion is a success. Along the way, the programme will fulfill GIZ’s commitment to the health and well-being of Cambodian children and national development.
For more information on GIZ’s Regional Fit for School Programme, please contact:
Ayphalla Te
Country Project Manager
Email: Mobile phone: +855 12 906 908
US Ambassador David Lane Meets Stone Conservation Unit in December 2013

H.E. David Lane, US Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies in Rome meets trainees of the stone conservation unit at Angkor Wat temple
08 December 2013
SIEM REAP, Cambodia – H.E. David Lane, US Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies in Rome toured Angkor Park in December 2013. At Angkor Wat, he met the trainees of the Stone Conservation Unit (SCU) who were taking part in a workshop withICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property) consultant and conservation expert Simon Warrack.
During the workshop, students studied chisel marks on an unfinished wall to determine what tools the ancient stone carvers used.
“In his way they can understand how their ancestors carved the temple,” Simon Warrack explained. “Later, they will actually carve some sandstone using these traditional techniques.” By understanding how the temples were built, the students improve their ability to preserve them into the future.
The US Mission to the United Nations supports the conservation of cultural heritage, such as preservation projects at Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakeng.
Nearly there – Final Land Policy Consultation a Success
20-21 May 2014
Sihanoukville, Cambodia – “The workshop was a clear success. Therefore, we can go ahead and finalize the draft of the White Paper on Land Policy in the next weeks in order to submit it for approval by the Council of Ministers in the third quarter of 2014,” said Cambodian Secretary of State Lim Voan.
Mr. Voan made this statement in his closing words of the final public consultation workshop on the White Paper on Land Policy in Sihanoukville, thanked all representatives of more than 15 ministries, and an impressive number of NGOs that contributed to workshop discussions.
An achievement for Cambodia, the ‘White Paper’ is internationally seen as the supreme policy on sustainable and just land use and land rights. Additionally, it outlines the government’s direction on land administration and management. In November 2014, the White Paper is planned to be presented by Senior Minister Im Chhun Lim.
At this recent workshop, more than 80 experts discussed the White Paper draft for two consecutive days. This draft is a result of five years of consultations and discussions among experts and policy makers. As in previous consultation workshops, GIZ provided flexible moderation, which gave enough time for discussion and group work. As a result, the participants involved themselves actively in the discussions during the full two days. Five years after the approval of the Declaration on Land Policy in 2009, Cambodia will finally have a comprehensive land policy.
Technical Advisor to the former Council of Land Policy and Land Expert Prof. Dr. Ing. Holger Magel – who provided guidance on the White Paper development during the entire process – underlined in his closing remarks that the White Paper process was itself a model of good governance, thanks to very transparent procedures and broad participation. Regarding the contents and quality of the White Paper, Magel expressed his satisfaction that, in his opinion, all relevant international standards in terms of land governance, and respective land tenure and other rights were intensively discussed and presented. It is expected that this comprehensive land policy will have a far reaching multiplier-effect throughout the country.
As a result, all government agencies, private-sector companies, and the public will receive information on land rights and their responsibilities. There is also no doubt that the White Paper is fundamental for the implementation of Cambodia’s upcoming sustainable development goals.
Environmental Auditing to Protect Mekong Region’s Biodiversity
12 May 2014
Phnom Penh, Cambodia -
To support environmental protection efforts, the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) has set up in October 2000 a working group on Environmental Auditing (WGEA). Last week in Vietnam, the group met to exchange experience on three audit topics: atmospheric environment, sustainable energy and solid waste. Dr. Denis Roy, GIZ Senior Advisor to the project, Support to ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions (ASEANSAI) joined among other officials.
“The Mekong River is the heart and soul of mainland Southeast Asia. Populations of at least six countries depend on the Mekong for food, water, transportation in their daily lives,” Dr. Denis Roy said. “The Mekong River also supports one of the world’s most diverse fisheries.”
From 2011-2013, the German Government, through GIZ supported a cooperative environmental audit on the Mekong River Basin management. Currently, it is planned to start a second environmental audit with the participation of the Supreme Audit Institutions of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
GIZ is working with the Supreme Audit Institutions throughout the ASEAN region and is also very active with several regional and bilateral projects in the area of environment and climate change. With this in mind, GIZ is in a good position to bring together knowledge and expertise needed to improve environmental audits.
“Environmental audits play a crucial and vital role in the implementation of environmental goals and objectives, including those enshrined in multilateral environmental agreements,” said Alexander Beetz, project manager of the GIZ project, Support to ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions (ASEANSAI).
Supreme Audit Institutions have a difficult but very important task: Their task is to make sure that the state uses public money in an effective and efficient way to achieve best possible results. This includes spending for education, health and agriculture, for example. Supreme Audit Institutions require expertise knowledge to be able to assess the spending of public money in these areas. One area audit institutions are now focusing increasing attention to is environment protection and climate change adaptation.
Explanation of picture:
During the 5th Seminar on Environmental Auditing held in Hanoi in April 2014, country participants from ASOSAI WGEA (Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions Working Group on Environmental Auditing) were invited to Ben Thuyen Trang An ecotourism site. Located 80 km south of Hanoi, Trang An is often referred to as an inland Halong Bay and its community is seeking UNESCO world heritage site status. On this visit, over 20 Asian countries representatives participated in a tree planting ceremony. Dr. Denis Roy, Senior Advisor to ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions participated in the ASOSAI WGEA meeting to discuss a proposal for a cooperative audit on the Mekong River Basin. During the ceremony, he planted a tree on behalf of the GIZ Cambodia office.
Benefiting from mutual learning experiences in Cambodia – Peer-to-peer exchange visits

How can councils get closer to citizens? During the exchange visit, councilors from Aek Phnum and Chet Borei district share their best practices.
April 2014
Kratie and Battambang, CAMBODIA – In May 2014, the first term of district, municipal and provincial councils in Cambodia will come to an end. This is a good opportunity to look back and review the experiences of local government officials over the past five years.
Councillors and representatives of the administration of Chet Borei District of Kratie Province visited councillors of Aek Phnum District, Battambang Province to exchange and learn from one another’s experiences in office. The exchange was jointly facilitated by the Secretariat of the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development, Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) and the GIZ implemented joint European Programme for Strengthening Performance, Accountability and Civic Engagement (EU SPACE).
VSO, an international development charity works with volunteers alongside local organisations that serve the poor. In Cambodia, VSO volunteers work with several districts. EU SPACE is the technical cooperation mechanism of the NCDD-S, European Union, Sweden and Germany and is implemented by GIZ. Its objective is to promote transparent, citizen responsive, accountable and capable councils at the sub-national level.
At the event, district and commune representatives came together, eager to learn how serving as an official representative developed their careers, and changed their lives.
The power of peer-to-peer learning
VSO and EU SPACE are not strangers to the value peer-to-peer learning offers. In 2013, VSO and EU SPACE organised similar exchange visits, which proved to be a success. The exchange visits demonstrated that peer-to-peer learning complements expert inputs as well as technical and policy advice.
Since 2011, EU SPACE in cooperation with the NCDD-S have also facilitated exchange between Cambodian and German representatives. Over the past few years, two German municipal councillors have visited their Cambodian peers.
Councillors reflect on the past five years in office
During the visit, district councillors shared their experiences on how their professional and personal lives have changed since they entered office in 2009.

What can be done better during the next mandate? Councilors jointly reflect on experiences and lessons learnt.
The atmosphere during the one-day exchange visit was relaxed and lively. The facilitators of EU SPACE as well as representatives from the two districts made an effort to make everyone comfortable and encouraged discussion from the beginning. Together, the councillors reflected on their roles and responsibilities, on their strengths, weaknesses and challenges. They shared experiences on how to better engage with citizens and civil society organisations; how to implement and disseminate decisions of the council; how to organise the planning process of councils; and how to encourage more equitable gender participation. They highlighted that the relationship between councillors and citizens has improved through the increased engagement of councillors with their local communities.The councillors discussed the impact of their political careers on their personal life. “I am quite popular in my area,” a councillor of Aek Phnum candidly shared. “There is hardly a social event in my district, which I am not invited to.”
Challenges persist
The lively discussions between the councillors also exposed the challenges local governments in Cambodia face. The councillors of both districts pointed to unclear responsibilities which hamper their effectiveness; a lack of resources; and the need to build capacity. Further, they mentioned that it remains difficult to promote the participation of citizens in remote areas.
“We will bring back many new ideas applicable to our daily work,” a participant of Chet Borei District pointed out. Participants also recommended that further exchange visits should take place in order to give more district councillors the opportunity to learn from each other.
Trust and Control – Consumer Field Trip to where the food is grown

Media interviewed Ms. Tiv Chhat a farmer from Thmor Reap village, Pong Ror Commune, Rolea Baear District.
22 March 2014
Kampong Chhnang – Forty-one costumers of Natural Agri-Products shops (NAP), a social-business branch of the Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC) in Phnom Penh, joined a one-day field trip to Kampong Chhnang province to see where their food is sourced. The field trip, including local media, visited organic vegetable produces in Thnoung Kambot village; Svay Chhroum commune and Thmor Reap village; Dok Kroung village; and Pong Ror commune of Rolea Baear District.
The visit is part of CEDAC’s Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) – a locally focused quality assurance system. The consumers certify producers based on active participation and foundation of trust, transparent relationships and dialogue as well as knowledge exchange.
Consumers learned the behind-the-scenes of organic farming and biological control approaches to agriculture. The Cooperation between CEDAC and the GIZ project ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (Biocontrol) supports farmers to strengthen their knowledge on irrigation techniques, organic fertilizer production, protection of useful insects (predators) and application of other useful Biocontrol Agents (BCA) like Trichoderma Harzianum.
The customers of the NAP shops in Phnom Penh enjoyed the trip out of the city and actively discussed organic agriculture, health and environmental issues with farmers and the advisors from CEDAC and GIZ.

Consumers bought fresh products from Ms. Chan Simoeun, farmer in Thnoung Kambot village Svay Chhrum Commune, Rolea Baear District
The participants of this field visit are now 100% confident of product origin and quality of the organic vegetables available in eight NAP shops in Phnom Penh. They want to share their impressions with their friends and relatives as well.In addition to the consumer field trips, CEDAC and GIZ are introducing a new Documentation Handbook for farmers, which is based on IFOAM Standards – an internationally applicable organic standard that can be used directly for certification. The farmers have to document every input and activity for their production. The data is controlled and verified first by commune leader, then by the internal inspector, and finally by the ICS Supervisor in CEDAC Headquarters. Trust and Control are going hand in hand.
Visit NAP on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CEDACNAP
Contact:
Claudius Bredehöft
National Project Coordinator Cambodia
ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (Biocontrol)
Mobil: +855 12 21 54 30
Email:
GIZ Supports South-East Asian Countries for Enhancing Public Accountability of their Audit Institutions
19 January 2014
Jakarta, Indonesia. 19th January 2014. Seven ASEAN member states (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam) reached an agreement to implement measures for improving transparency and efficiency of their Supreme Audit Institutions in a meeting supported by GIZ.
The ASEAN member states participating in the symposium ‘Enhancing Public Accountability in ASEAN to achieve Regional Competitiveness and Prosperity’, organized in Jakarta (Indonesia), have decided to take crucial steps to overcome barriers for public auditing by 2017. These measures include: 1) To amend existing laws and regulations or to develop new regulations to strengthen the institutional and organizational capacities and autonomy of Supreme Audit Institutions; 2) To engage more actively with auditees and stakeholders such as the Public Accounts Committees, civil society, media and the public; 3) To increase awareness on public accountability amongst decision makers, politicians, etc.; and 4) To strengthen networking and sharing of good practices amongst ASEAN’s Audit Authorities.

Mr Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Ambrin Buang, Auditor General of Malaysia and Chairman of ASEANSAI Knowledge Sharing Committee of ASEANSAI
Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Ambrin Buang, Auditor General of Malaysia and Chairman of ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions’s Knowledge Sharing Committee, presented a summary of results agreed by representatives from ASEAN member states during the meeting. The Malaysian Auditor General also highlighted a number of constraints for an effective public auditing system in the region: weak law enforcement; lack of coordination and cooperation between Supreme Audit Institutions and audited entities; limited parliamentary oversight; low transparency in public reporting; lack of mechanisms to ensure audited entities follow-up on Supreme Audit Institutions’ recommendations; and lackof qualified human resources, amongst others.Supreme Audit Institutions play a key role to promote good governance and monitor public finances. These institutions ensure that public finances are managed in compliance with state regulations in an efficient, accountable and transparent way. Supreme Audit Institutions also strengthen capacities of civil servants to ensure that their roles and responsibilities are clear as well as to facilitate their participation for monitoring governments’ public expenditures.
For more information, please visit the ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions’ website: www.aseansai.org
Key Data on Poor Households from the Ministry of Planning available
11 March 2014
A new data set on poor households from seven provinces and the rural areas of Phnom Penh is now accessible and can be used by government institutions, non-governmental organizations and specialized aid agencies in order to target services and development assistance to the people living in poverty more effectively.
With support from the Identification of Poor Households program -implemented by the Ministry of Planning of Cambodia and its provincial departments with technical support from GIZ- the Ministry has just made available more data of households identified as poor in Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Beantey Meanchey, Kratie, Oddar Meanchey, Stung Treng and the rural areas of Phnom Penh.
This data includes lists of poor households with their poverty category; details of all members of poor households (name, sex, age/year of birth, relationship to head of household); photos of poor households; poverty rates at the levels of village, commune, district and province: household-based and person-based; and aggregated socioeconomic and other special characteristics of poor households.
The data is presented in form of reports (pdf and excel formats) and maps:
Report 10: Summary statistics (per province)
Report 13: Poor household list
Report 8: Profile of all household members
Report 14: Poverty Rate Comparison Report (district, commune/Sangkat, and village levels)
Report 15: Names and photos of poor household members (to be provided as per requested by users with approval from the Identification of Poor Households program).
Report 16: Household data summary (to be provided as per requested by users with approval from the Identification of Poor Households program).
Access to some information is restricted due to its personal nature. In order to receive it, the user (a person on behalf of the institution or organization) will be required to register as a data user and to request permission from the Identification of Poor Households program ().
GIZ provides advisory support to the Ministry of Planning and its provincial departments in all steps of the implementation of the Identification of Poor Households program and supports relevant capacity development measures (). The Identification of Poor Households program is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), DFAT, UNICEF and the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Development Partnerships: Experience Exchange

Opening ceremony of the workshop, Development Partnerships in Agriculture: Experience Exchange, organized by the RED-Green Belt programme of GIZ in collaboration with Provincial Department of Agriculture and the representative office of East West Seed International Ltd
6 December 2013
SIEM REAP – On 6 December 2013, a workshop on development partnerships was held in Siem Reap. The event was facilitated by GIZ programme for Regional Economic Development (RED) – Green Belt and organised in collaboration with Provincial Department of Agriculture (PDA) and the representative office of East West Seed International Ltd. (EWS).
The workshop brought together over 40 representatives from the public and private sectors as well as development agencies operating in Cambodia. Participants presented and discussed on-going development partnerships, i.e. collaboration agreements between agricultural input companies, on the one hand, and government or development agencies, on the other.
The event built on the experience of RED and its partners in the implementation of development partnerships in Siem Reap province since 2009. The Provincial Department of Agriculture (PDA) Siem Reap, EWS and the NGO Agricultural Development Denmark Asia (ADDA), among others, presented achievements and lessons learned from partnership initiatives that matured in the framework of RED. The representatives of Provincial Departments of Agriculture from Kampong Cham, Kampong Chnang and Kanda shared their perspectives as well.
Participants expressed agreement on the effectiveness of development partnerships as a tool to engage the private sector in the role of a know-how provider in agriculture. Similarly, private sector representatives shared the view that development partnerships can fit in their long-term commercial strategies.
Discussion unfolded on the challenges faced by public and private sector stakeholders and on ways forward. All participants stressed the difficulties involved in the identification of the “right” partner and advocated for a “brokering function” as RED has played in Siem Reap. Secondly, trust, transparency and clear communication procedures were identified as cornerstones of a successful partnership. Finally, participants debated on the contributions and functions that each partner should bear and expect. Lack of clarity on such matter is, in everyone’s opinion, a reason for failure.

Group discussion on benefits and challenges of development partnerships. Participants discuss success factors and limitations of public-private collaboration agreements and their effectiveness as vehicles to deliver services to farmers and producers.
The need for a policy framework that enables and regulates development partnerships also led to discussion. On this matter, the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Dr. Mak Soeun, emphasised that partnerships with the private sector are already endorsed by government policies, while guidelines for their design and implementation still need formulation.
In conclusion, partnerships with private sector were recognised to play a significant role to promote access to know-how and innovations in agriculture, and increasingly so, as the public sector progressively embraces regulation, facilitation and coordination functions. However, challenges still lay ahead and further experience exchange will be required to establish guidelines and models that will orient development partnerships in the future.
5th International Summer School in Phnom Penh – Crowned by success!
6 November 2013
The end of the two-day International Summer School in Phnom Penh welcomed many satisfied faces, and all voiced positive feedback.
The Summer School took place from 5-6 November 2013. It is organized every year by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, the Royal University of Agriculture – Faculty of Land Management and the Technical University Munich; supported by GIZ Land Rights Programme.
This year’s Summer School was chaired by H.E. Im Chhun Lim, Senior Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction. It focused on the topic, “Strategic Spatial Planning: Responding to Territorial Development Challenges in Rural Areas”. About 22 high quality speeches and presentations of national and international experts from Lao PDR, the Philippines, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Germany provided a strong foundation for further discussions with panelists and the audience.

The picture shows H.E. Im Chhun Lim, Senior Minister Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (in front). From left: Dr. Franz-Volker Müller, Program Manager GIZ Land Rights Program; H.E. Pen Sophal, Secretary of State; H.E. Lim Voan, Secretary of State; H.E. Ou Vuddy, Secretary of State; H.E. Sar Sovann, Secretary of State; H.E. Seak Vanna, Undersecretary of State.
Discussions touched upon some of the most important topics for developing and emerging countries: How to mitigate the rural-urban migration? How to avoid the rural exodus? How to strengthen rural areas in terms of social and physical needs of the population? How to create jobs in rural areas and transform dormant rural towns to lively rural centers? And, what role does comprehensive spatial planning play to respond to these various challenges mentioned above?
In order to respond to these challenges, participatory planning activities are of utmost importance. However, coordination, cooperation and communication among all stakeholders are necessary preconditions. The role of all stakeholders must be clarified and they should actively take part and contribute to the common objective. In his summary, Prof. EoE Holger Magel remarked, “It’s all about People and Land!”
The Summer School was attended by more than 150 persons from national and sub- national government institutions, international experts, NGOs, students and representatives of the private sector.
Informing Governmental Consultations on Land Sector Support
October 2013
Mondulkiri/Kampong Cham, Cambodia – In preparation for the governmental consultations on October 17, the continued German support to the Land Administration, Management and Distribution Program (LAMDP) was the occasion for an informative joint field visit to Mondulkiri and Kampong Cham provinces. The international delegation comprised the Desk Officer for Cambodia of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Ms. Stefanie Ruff, alongside several participants from the German Embassy, the Embassy of Finland, European Union (EU), KfW Development Bank, GIZ Cambodia, FINNMAP, ILO and representatives of local NGOs. The field visit was organized by the Ministry for Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), Provincial Authorities from Mondulkiri and Kampong Cham together with Provincial Land Department of Mondulkiri and Kampong Cham and the GIZ Land Rights Program.
While also introducing into the work of the provincial cadastral offices on systematic land registration, the focus of the first half of the field visit was the support to indigenous people’s (IP) communities land registration in Mondulkiri province. The delegation visited the IP communities in Sre Khtom and Oo’Rona and learned about their experiences and involvement with the process of land registration, which had led to the issuance of collective titles for these communities.
A visit to two indigenous Bou Sra communities highlighted as well the difficulties of IP land registration to the delegation. The IP of the villages in Lmes and Poulu articulated their concern with multiple conflicts pertaining to their land boundaries, while not having received a collective title yet. It became very clear that resolution of conflicts during IP communities land registration is a complicated and lengthy process that needs further support.
The second half of the 3-day field visit, focused on reviewing the situation of land recipients on social land concessions in Kampong Cham province. While still poor, the land recipients showed to the delegation members in which manifold ways they were able to improve their livelihoods. As a side event, a pre-cut of a short film about a photo-documentation by famous war photographer Tim Page was screened in the community hall. The film stars several of the villagers, which squeezed into the community hall, next to the delegation team, to watch themselves and their fellow villagers on the screen.
The topics and lessons learned from the field visit were picked-up again during the governmental consultations and contributed by informing on agreed proposals, e.g. on the further strengthening of the support to IP communities land registration and post-project support to the German-supported land recipients.
For more photos, please visit: http://on.fb.me/1gtIrlM
Organic Farmer Assembly Marks Progress, Plans for Future
19-20 September 2013
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - As organic rice production continues to expand in Cambodia, the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture(CEDAC) and GIZ are working to ensure that farmers are properly supported to reap the benefits of organic agriculture. To this end, the Second General Assembly of the National Organic Rice Producer Confederation in Cambodia was held on September 19-20, 2013 at CEDAC’s head office in Phnom Penh. Over 50 rice farming community representatives participated in the meeting. Mr. Keam Makarady, CEDAC Director of Health and Environment and Mr. Claudius Bredehoeft, National Project Coordinator for GIZ ASEAN Biocontrol (ABC) for Sustainable Agrifood Systems facilitated the meeting.
Dr. Ludgera Klemp, Counsellor and Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy delivered the Opening Remarks in Khmer. She spoke about the German government’s long support for CEDAC, saying “it’s a pleasure to look back on the established cooperation with CEDAC since 2003 and the progress made through technical support for organic agriculture and market development for farmers since then.”
The assembly’s primary objective was to generate the 2013-2014 organic rice production plan. But according to Mr. Bredehoeft: “This meeting is also about sharing knowledge about the situation in the fields, in the market, and this year’s rice production.” In addition to reviewing the numbers of organic farmers, respective yields and the Fair Trade premium available to certified groups, participants were encouraged to discuss their successes and challenges. “It is very important that we learn from each other,” Mr. Bredehoeft stressed.
Other presenters included CEDAC President, Dr. Yang Saing Koma and Mr. Sou Savorn, CEDAC Sahakreas Operations Manager. Dr. Koma gave an overview of the essential System of Rice Intensification practices as well as the Fair Trade and organic certification processes, explaining how the farmers can benefit from this linked system.
Author: Mr. Alexander Davis (CEDAC)
Every Person Counts – See ability, not disability
“Epic Arts opens our eyes to our common humanity so that all of us can flourish.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Kampot Province, Cambodia – Artistic expression is a common human characteristic, unlocking creative potential and defying borders. Epic Arts, a disability-arts NGO (http://www.epicarts.org.uk), works towards equality by reaching out to people with physical and learning disabilities and provides deaf education and education for children with learning disabilities as well as vocational training in Kampot Province, Cambodia. Through art, Epic Arts seeks to live out the values of inclusion, understanding, justice and equality.
The organization celebrates the richness of diversity through dance and theatre performances and creative workshops. Additionally, it runs a café, selling handicrafts produced by people with impairments. The café not only offers employment to the disabled, but also acts as a social hub for people with disabilities.
Documentary showcases benefits of disability inclusion
Students of the Women’s Media Centre produced a short documentary on the work of Epic Arts with support from the DW Academy (http://blogs.dw-akademie.de/asia/2013/01/09/reporting-about-people-with-disabilities/) and the GIZ Social Health Protection Project.
On behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, GIZ supports the Royal Government of Cambodia in disability inclusion in the development process. With the government’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, disability inclusion assumes a more prominent role in development cooperation programmes, to ensure that the most vulnerable groups in society benefit from poverty reduction and development. To promote the inclusion of people with or vulnerable to disabilities the GIZ’s Social Health Protection Project deploys a mainstreaming approach in all its areas of intervention and supports selected, targeted activities in close collaboration with Handicap International Cambodia and other organisations representing people with disabilities, such as Epic Arts.
Advocating for inclusive health services
The GIZ Social Health Protection Project will further cooperate with Epic Arts in awareness rising activities and advocating for inclusive health services in the province of Kampot, one of the project’s target-areas. GIZ Social Health Protection Project seeks to involve people with disabilities and civil society as much as possible in local processes of health sector development and to complement existing efforts.
For more contact:
Dr. Heike Krumbiegel
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: + 855 23 88 44 76
To view the short documentary about the work of Epic Arts, visit GIZ Cambodia’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/gizcambodia
Cambodian Organic Agricultural Association displays organic products at Cam-Inter Fair, 29-31 March 2013
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – GIZ partner COrAA (Cambodian Organic Agricultural Association) presented their diverse organic produce lines at the recent Cam-Inter Fair from 29-31 March 2013. The fair took place at Diamond Island (Koh Pich).
Several members of COrAA displayed certified foodstuffs such as rice, vegetables, fruits and pepper. Also on display were wild grape wine, textiles made from organic cotton as well as nutritional supplements prepared from Moringa. COrAA certifies organic products based on its Standards for Organic Crop Production and the Standards for Chemical-Free Crop Production.
For more information see www.coraa.org
The association is assisted by GIZ technical adviser Winfried Scheewe (second from right).
Coaching Sessions for medical professionals to improve immediate newborn care
Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia While Cambodia’s under-five mortality rate declined from 83 deaths per 1000 live births in 2005 to 54 in 2010, the neonatal mortality rate has stagnated during the same time frame (28 deaths/1000 live births in 2005 and 27 deaths/1000 live births in 2010). Neonatal deaths now account for more than half of all under-five deaths in Cambodia. The most common causes include infection, birth asphyxia and preterm deliveries.
Simple health procedures can save newborns lives
Preventative measures such as thorough drying, skin to skin contact, properly timed cord clamping and early breastfeeding have been show to save newborn’s lives. Additionally, ventilation of non-breathing babies within one minute after birth, or within the vital “golden minute” also contributes to saving newborns at risk of post-natal death..
Immediate and thorough drying stimulates breathing and prevents hypothermia. Amongst many other benefits, sustained skin-to-skin contact initiates colonization of the newborn with maternal flora. Delaying cord clamping reduces the risk of anemia in preterm infants, and intraventricular hemorrhages. Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding can prevent more than 95% of neonatal sepsis deaths.
Hands-on coaching sessions improve medical response
Emphasizing the need to reduce neonatal mortality, Cambodia’s Ministry of Health requested WHO’s support to strengthen immediate newborn care in Kampong Cham province. In 2011, Dr. Howard Sobel (WHO) and Ms. Chris Newsome (pediatric nurse, RACHA), developed a 2-day training and piloted it in Kampong Cham province.
Based on the success of the pilot, the Ministry of Health decided to roll-out this training nationwide. Training of trainers for the Provincial Health Department and Operational District staff from all provinces is ongoing and will be finalized in 2013. Three facilitators and 5 co-facilitators from Kampong Thom province have already been trained in December 2012.
The Immediate Newborn Care (INC) coaching sessions are very hands-on. There are no lectures and all information is provided to participants in the form of questions. Evaluations during the training include written tests (pre- and post-test), measures of hand hygiene (using Glow Germ – see image) and demonstrations of the sequential steps. At the end of the second day, each participant has to demonstrate that he or she is able to carry out all steps of immediate newborn care in the correct order and in the correct time frame.
The steps for the breathing and non-breathing baby are assessed in two separate demonstrations and role-plays. If the participant is able to repeat the correct steps during a follow up supervision visit at the health facility, he or she will be given a certificate of successful course completion.
GIZ support contributes to 4 coaching sessions – 40 midwives trained
With the technical and financial support of the GIZ Rights Based Family Planning and Maternal Health project (Muskoka), the INC facilitators in Kampong Thom conducted 4 coaching sessions at the Baray Santuk referral hospitals in February and March 2013. A total of 40 midwives successfully demonstrated mastery of the sequential steps that may save a newborn’s life. Evaluations during the training include written tests (pre- and post-test), measures of hand hygiene (using Glow Germ) and demonstrations of the sequential steps.
Nine coaching sessions ahead for 2013 – 130 medical professionals await training
With 9 additional coaching sessions planned in 2013, a total of 130 midwives and doctors will become proficient in correct immediate newborn care in Kampong Thom province. Giving health care workers the skills they need to provide all newborns with the care they require in the first minutes of life is a big step towards increasing the chances of survival for these precious new lives.
For more information please contact:
Dr. Klaus Hornetz
Email: [email protected]
Tel: + 855 23 72 63 44
Author:
Karin Stubenbaum
GIZ MCH Advisor, Kampong Thom
Cambodian Officials Visit German Parliament to Improve Transparency of Public Finances
Phnom Penh, Cambodia During a recent study visit to Germany, Cambodian officials from the National Audit Authority, the Senate and Parliament had the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge on how the close cooperation between the German Parliament and the German audit authority enhances transparency and accountability in the use and management of public resources.
Mr. Juergen Lehmberg, Team Leader of the GIZ project supporting the National Audit Authority in Cambodia, said during the study
visit “We expect that some of the best practices we have seen from German institutions will inspire participants to reflect on how similar models can be applied in Cambodia to make management of public funds more transparent and meaningful for all citizens”.
The Cambodian delegation visited Germany on March 18-27, 2013 and comprised Her Excellency Som Kimsuor, Audit General of the National Audit Authority; H.E. Chea Chet, Chairman of the Commission on Economy Finance Banking and Audit of the Senate; and H.E. Khek Sam On, member of the Commission on Economy Finance Banking and Audit of the National Assembly.
The Cambodian National Audit Authority was founded in 2000 to audit the Government’s budgeting and to guarantee proper management of public funds. The GIZ National Audit Authority Project began in 2006 with the goal of improving transparency and reliability of the Cambodian public finance system, including the implementation of regulations as part of the Second Strategic Development Plan of the Cambodian National Audit Authority.
Further information:
Mr. Juergen Lehmberg
Team Leader of the GIZ Support to the National Audit Authority Project
Tel: (+855) 12 333 101
Email: [email protected]
Public Private Partnerships in the Healthcare and Tourism Sectors in Cambodia
EuroCham Cambodia, on behalf of GIZ “Support to the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI)”, organized two workshops on Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in the healthcare sector on 28th September 2018, and in tourism sector on 01st October 2018, Phnom Penh, aiming to address how to enhance the investment environment and promotion strategies in the health and tourism sectors where public and private sectors can better collaborate.
Government officials from Ministry of Economic and Finance (MEF), Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Tourism (MoT), business representatives, and experts from GIZ, B. Braun Melsungen AG, DFDL, and Partner at Sarin & Associates, participated in the workshops to share experiences and exchange information on PPP, and investment climate of Cambodia.
Each workshop was divided into 4 sessions followed by panel discussion: (1) Investment trends in the healthcare and/ tourism sector; (2) PPP legal framework in Cambodia; (3) PPP potential in the Cambodian healthcare and/ tourism sector; (4) Example of a successful PPP in the healthcare and/ tourism sector, and Panel Discussion: How to Promote PPP in the Healthcare and/ Tourism Sector?
According to the presentation of H.E. Mr. Sam VONGSY, Head of Central PPP Unit at MEF, “PPP is a contract (often long-term) between a government entity and a private entity for providing a public asset or service in which:
- the private party bears significant risk and management responsibility;
- the private party’s remuneration is often linked to performance, with a strong overview by the public sector; and
- in return the government allows the private party to collect revenues from revenue-based payment, availability-based payment or hybrid payment.
Participants received valuable information and practical example on successful cases of PPP from the key speakers. A new PPP law is currently being drafted and expected to be released by mid of 2019, followed by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to provide detailed guidelines on implementing PPP projects.
As a result from the workshops, the Government entity encourages investors to examine the Public Investment Program 2016-2018, and the Tourism Sector Development Plan to identify potential projects in which the MoH and the MoT would require investment, and propose whether they could be achieved through a PPP. It is important that there is a clear mechanism or strategy paper on PPP in healthcare and tourism sectors once the law on PPP is adopted. Private sector is encouraged to actively participate in providing inputs to Ministries starting from the PPP project identification stage to project implementation stage. On the other hand from private sector’s perspective, the formalizing a public-private forum will increase the opportunities for the public and private sectors to work together, improve the regulatory environment and lead to increased opportunities. Experts also suggested that development partners should get involved in PPP development in Cambodia through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and line Ministries.
ASEAN-German Cooperation Project “Support to the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI)” supports implementing ASEAN agreements including Trade in Services……… The project operates in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam until November 2018.
For more information, please contact GIZ IAI Advisor Ms. Dalin Seng ([email protected])
Prospects for E-learning as one of approaches for CPD for healthcare workers in Cambodia
04 October 2018
Under the new “law on regulation of health practitioners”, promulgated by the Cambodian Ministry of Health in December 2016, which aims to protect the health and safety of members of the public, by providing mechanisms to ensure that all health practitioners are qualified, competent and fit to safely practice their profession. The Cambodian Councils of nurses (CCN) and Cambodian Midwives Councils (CMC) are responsible for the implementation of the law and for establishment of the system for licensing/re-licensing health professionals. The councils introduced the concepts of CPD (Continuous Professional Development) as the requirement for initial licensing and re-licensing of healthcare professionals.
GIZ Social Health Protection Project and its Public Private Partnership in Health Project, “Improving Occupational Safety and Health of Healthcare Workers in Hospitals in Cambodia” support the CCN and CMC to improve the skills of nurses and midwives (and thus quality of healthcare) through the award of CPD credit points, as part of the re-licensing process for healthcare professionals. One of the areas that the CCN and CMC asked the projects to support is to develop innovative ideas in CPD policy development, including incorporation of e-learning alongside with face to face training to increase the reach of CPD requirements. While the idea of e-learning holds promise in general; however, the lack of experiences of these methods in Cambodian health sector, the potential acceptability of this form of training by Cambodian nurses and midwives is little known. Thus the projects support the study conducted jointly with CCN/CMC to assess whether e-learning in general is acceptable to Cambodian nurses and midwives and whether the specific e-learning materials (hand hygiene) developed by Aesculap Academy (AA) in English are suitable for use by Cambodian nurses and midwives.
The study is relied on information gathered during four focus group discussions using a 60 minutes hand hygiene video developed by AA to show (original in English with Khmer simultaneous translation by a Khmer translator and facilitator) to participants, then followed by focus group discussion using semi-structured questionnaires with 45 Cambodian nurses and midwives, from six national hospitals in Phnom Penh and two provincial and district hospitals in Kampot and Kampong Thom provinces, which provided different levels of complementary packages activities (national level, CPA3 and CPA 2). Total 45 individuals: 27 nurses (15 male, 12 females) and 18 midwives(all female) were identified based on their availability, their convenience, their involvement in routine clinical works and their willingness to participate in the study.
The main findings showed e-learning method is a suitable and acceptable approach as one of the CPD tools in Cambodia for a re-licensing system. In general, e-learning provided much more benefits (with the same effectiveness as traditional methods) to health workers, compared to traditional face to face training, including saving time (for travel), saving cost (for food, accommodation and cost that are related to their absence from workplace) and convenience (they can select time, place and pace for their study). Some participants were willing to pay to participate in e-learning programs. However, there are some barriers identified such as their low level of English proficiency, lack of high speed internet access, low level of computer skills and internet technology skills, posed challenges to the roll out of this method. For the specific hand hygiene e-learning video developed by AA, there are some complaints on the 60 minute length which seems too long, while some other complaints of the Western style and culture of the instructor in the video as well as their low English proficiency.
In summary, participants showed great interest in the AA e-learning approach as a potential training tool for CPD in Cambodia. However, low levels of English proficiency, limited experience with internet technology and lack of high speed internet outside Phnom Penh were seen as possible barriers to the successful introduction of E-learning in health setting in Cambodia. At minimum, the e-learning materials should be dubbed or subtitled into Khmer to ensure they are well understood by Cambodian audience. It was also noted that having a local TOT trainer at participating hospitals to provide technical support would facilitate the implementation of an e-learning approach.