Phnom penh: The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), in collaboration with the United Nations in Cambodia, UNICEF, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), announced the launch of the Water Infrastructure and Smart Energy Joint Programme (WISE JP). This initiative aims to enhance access to climate-resilient, safely managed water services across Cambodia through a new blended-finance approach.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the WISE JP is funded by the UN Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund and introduces a financial model that combines commercial and low-interest capital. This revolving blended-finance facility is dedicated to ensuring climate-smart water systems. By integrating concessional and commercial capital, the facility reduces financing costs for Private Water Operators (PWOs) while providing technical support to PWOs, financial institutions, and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC).
The programme is crucial as 1.9 million children in Cambodia live in areas with high climate risk, including frequent droughts and floods, and limited water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasized the role of private water operators in serving the population and the challenges they face in accessing affordable finance. He highlighted that the WISE JP is a significant step towards modernizing the water supply sector, expanding clean water access, and advancing climate commitments.
Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia, stated the importance of access to climate-resilient water services for family well-being and children's health. She noted that the WISE JP is a bold step to ensure that children and families, particularly in remote areas, have access to affordable and sustainable clean water powered by renewable energy. The United Nations in Cambodia, through UNICEF and UNCDF, is committed to working alongside MISTI to unlock innovative financing that accelerates progress toward the SDGs and strengthens community resilience.
The programme supports Cambodia's progress toward SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 13 (climate action) by mobilizing private investment in renewable-energy-powered water supply infrastructure. The WISE JP will operate under a Steering Committee to ensure strong government leadership and alignment with Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs), the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP), and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).