On December 3, 2024, water supply stakeholders from Cambodia and Australia convened today for the 5th Cambodian Water Conference and Exhibition under the theme “Water for a Sustainable Future.” The event celebrates progress in Cambodia’s water sector and explores innovative solutions for sustainable management.

The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, and H.E. Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, alongside the President of the Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA) and the CEO of the Australian Water Association (AWA).

Running from December 3 to 5, 2024, the conference brought together some 300 participants, including policymakers, industry professionals, development partners, financial institutions, public and private water operators, trade delegates from Australia, and global experts.

“This conference serves as a vital platform for addressing challenges, fostering collaboration, and seeking support from development partners and key stakeholders. It aims to enhance the enforcement of laws and regulations while sharing experiences and innovative technologies critical for advancing Cambodia's water sector,” H.E. HEM Vanndy said.  “Achieving Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 6—universal and equitable access to safe, affordable drinking water by 2030—requires dedicated action from all stakeholders, including ministries-institutions, sub-national administrations, development partners, financial institutions, and particularly private water operators, who need to fulfill their licensing obligations responsibly to ensure clean water services that meet the four essential principles of quality, safety, sustainability, and affordability.”

H.E. Derek Yip highlighted Australia’s partnership with Cambodia, stating, “Australia is partnering with Cambodia to advance clean water solutions, drive technological innovation, and build climate resilience. Leveraging Australia's experience in the clean water sector and our successful programs in Cambodia, we will continue to work with Cambodia to achieve universal access to clean water by 2030. Our support for the Cambodian Water Conference is part of our ongoing commitment to this shared goal.”

The event highlights collaboration between AWA and CWA, with Australian experts from water utilities, technology companies, and academia sharing expertise and exploring opportunities with Cambodian counterparts.

AWA’s CEO, Ms. Corinne Cheeseman, said, “The Australian Water Association and the Cambodian Water Supply Association have a proud history of collaboration, delivering positive outcomes for our members. United by a shared commitment to a sustainable water future, we will continue to drive innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building providing opportunities to share expertise and experience across our water sectors.”

To expand water supply coverage and service quality, MISTI has partnered with development organizations, including Australia’s CAPRED program, to develop regulations for the establishment of a Clean Water Development Fund, which will channel financing to public and private water operators.

“Private water operators are instrumental in delivering safe, reliable water to Cambodia’s rural communities,” said Mr. Kheav Leng, President of the Cambodian Water Supply Association. “They need more access to technical support and financing to expand their operations and improve service quality. This conference is a crucial step in addressing these challenges.”

The event includes 14 booths showcasing clean water technologies and solutions, alongside panel discussions on Cambodia’s development goals, climate resilience, and financing expansion. Technical presentations on asset management, non-revenue water reduction, and disaster preparedness were also delivered by Australian and Cambodian experts. The conference concludes on December 5 with a site visit to Svay Romeat Water Utility.

Cambodia currently has over 400 licensed private water operators serving 81.5% of the 10,679 villages within designated license areas. These operators account for about 35% of the total water production of 40 to 50 million cubic meters per month. This underscores the need to enhance the production capacity of private operators to meet Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring safe and equitable water access for all citizens by 2030.