Water Governance in Cambodia: The Results of the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Water Governance, 20 November 2025

This report presents the results of the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Water Governance, convened in Phnom Penh on 20 November 2025 by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM). The dialogue addressed Cambodia’s pressing water security challenges, including climate change impacts, transboundary governance in the Mekong Basin, and the urgent need for inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Key discussions highlighted weak inter-agency coordination, decentralisation complexities, and vulnerabilities of marginalised groups. The event brought together 104 policymakers, researchers, and development partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships, and propose evidence-based strategies for sustainable water management. Outcomes included the establishment of collaborative networks, collective policy recommendations, and a platform for ongoing dialogue to support Cambodia’s long-term climate resilience and development vision. The report underscores water governance as a critical pillar for national food security, livelihoods, and equitable growth.