The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), the Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA) and Australia today opened the 6th Cambodian Water Conference and Trade Exhibition, bringing together more than 350 representatives from government, industry, development partners, financial institutions, research institutes and technology providers.
Held under the theme 'Today's Innovation, Tomorrow's Water Solutions’, the two-day event provides a platform to share knowledge, showcase innovative technologies, strengthen partnerships and explore practical pathways to improve water security, expand access and improve the long-term climate resilience of water services across Cambodia.
The conference takes place as Cambodia and the world face growing pressure on its water resources. Climate change is increasing the risks associated with droughts, floods and changing rainfall patterns, while rising demand for water services places additional pressure on existing infrastructure and resources.
Cambodia has made significant progress over the past decades in expanding access to clean water and is steadily advancing towards the goal of universal coverage by 2030. However, ensuring reliable, affordable and sustainable access for rural and remote communities remains a challenge.
H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, said, ‘Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to public health, economic development and improved living standards. As Cambodia faces increasing climate-related pressures, including drought and floods, continued innovation and strong partnerships between government, the private sector, and development partners will be essential to ensuring sustainable water services for future generations.’
H.E. Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, said, ‘Australia has played a strong role working with Cambodia on the impressive progress it has made expanding access to clean water. With more than a decade of partnership with Cambodia’s water sector, Australian support has helped 1.3 million Cambodians access piped water. As climate pressures grow and demand continues to rise, Australia will continue to support innovative technologies and sustainable financing mechanisms that enable water operators across the country to deliver essential clean water services.’
Australian support has enabled private operators to extend clean piped water coverage to rural and remote areas and continues to enhance sector capacity and promote technology adoption.
Mr Leng Kheav, President of the Cambodian Water Supply Association, said, ‘Private water operators play a critical role in delivering clean water services to communities across Cambodia. In addition to sharing experiences, this conference provides an important opportunity for PWOs to showcase, learn and adopt new technologies, strengthen partnerships, and identify practical solutions that can help expand reliable and affordable water services nationwide.’
The conference features technical sessions and panel discussions on smart water technologies, clean energy and net-zero water utilities, climate resilience and water security, sustainable utility management and financing and strategies to develop the next generation of leaders in Cambodia's water sector.
For the first time, the event will include a business matchmaking platform through which water operators, technology providers, financial institutions, service providers and development partners can explore partnerships, investment opportunities and business solutions to further strengthen the sector.
The accompanying exhibition showcases innovative products, services and technologies from Cambodian and international organisations working in water management, operational efficiency and service delivery.
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