PHNOM PEMH, 20 March 2022 – Today, the Embassy of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a new agreement in the presence of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia, and Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan at the Peace palace in Phnom Penh.

The new initiative for Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Local Governance, will be implemented by UNDP, the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development Secretariat (NCDDS) and civil society organizations.  

The Sub-National Democratic Development reform aims to “promote democratic, inclusive, equitable and just development through the modernization of sub-national governance and improved access, quality, and utilization of public service delivery. This will contribute to the elimination of poverty and the improved quality of life for all citizens”[1]. In contributing to this reform, the project will strengthen the transparency and accountability of local administrations by promoting participatory mechanisms and good governance. The project will also promote people’s access to information and raise their awareness and understanding of how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources and it will support the creation of an enabling environment for constructive interactions, dialogue, and partnership.  

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For media inquiries, please contact:
- Mr. Katsutoshi Takahashi, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan, katsutoshi.takahashi@mofa.go.jp
- Mr. Samruol Im, Head of Communications, UNDP Cambodia at samruol.im@undp.org

[1] National Programme for Sub-National Democratic Development (NP-SNDD), now in its second phase spanning from 2021-2030.