AKP Phnom Penh, March 10, 2026 —

Cambodia’s Minister of Planning H.E. Bin Trachhey met with newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms. Vladanka Andreeva on Tuesday to discuss strengthening cooperation on national development priorities, including support for migrant workers and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

The meeting at the Ministry of Planning marked an introductory visit by Ms. Andreeva, who assumed her post on Jan. 10, and reaffirmed the partnership between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the United Nations system.

Ms. Andreeva was accompanied by representatives of several UN agencies, including Ms. Sandra Bernklau of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Mr. Will Park of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ms. Rebekah Bells of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and Ms. Kyung-nan Park of the World Food Programme (WFP).

H.E. Trachhey welcomed the UN envoy and congratulated her on her appointment, praising the United Nations for its longstanding contributions to Cambodia’s socio-economic development. He reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to working closely with the UN and development partners to advance national development strategies and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Discussions also addressed the situation of Cambodian migrant workers returning from abroad and the needs of displaced communities along the Cambodia–Thailand border affected by regional tensions.

H.E. Trachhey emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among Royal Government institutions and development partners to support affected citizens, particularly by facilitating employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for returning migrants.

In response, Ms. Andreeva expressed sympathy for families facing hardship and said the UN country team was committed to supporting affected communities and assisting returning migrant workers in rebuilding their livelihoods and reintegrating into society.

The talks also reviewed Cambodia’s progress toward the SDGs and preparations for the country’s planned graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029.

Ms. Andreeva said the United Nations would share its latest SDG progress report with the Ministry of Planning to support future policy planning.

Both sides also discussed Cambodia’s Smooth Transition Strategy (STS), designed to ensure a sustainable shift after LDC graduation.

They further exchanged views on preparations for Cambodia’s Voluntary National Review (VNR), which the country is expected to present at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2027. 

The Ministry of Planning will coordinate the process with technical support from the United Nations.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening Cambodia’s statistical systems to support evidence-based policymaking, including cooperation on surveys and national data systems.

H.E. Trachhey noted that the Ministry recently launched the National Strategy for Food Fortification 2025–2030, aimed at improving nutrition and addressing malnutrition through stronger multi-sectoral collaboration.

Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation in support of Cambodia’s socio-economic development and long-term sustainability goals.

By K. Rithy Reak