Cambodia Launches WISE JP to Expand Climate-Resilient Water and Renewable Energy Services

PHNOM PENH, March 23, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has launched a new blended-finance programme to expand access to climate-resilient water and renewable energy services, targeting vulnerable communities across the country.

The Water Infrastructure & Smart Energy Joint Programme (WISE JP), announced by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) in partnership with the United Nations in Cambodia, UNICEF and the UN Capital Development Fund, is funded by the UN Joint SDG Fund.

The initiative introduces a revolving blended-finance facility that combines concessional and commercial capital to lower financing costs for private water operators. It also provides technical support to operators, financial institutions and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia.

Officials said the programme is vital as 1.9 million children — more than one-third of Cambodia’s child population — live in communes facing high climate risks, including droughts, floods and limited WASH services.

Minister Hem Vanndy said the programme will modernize the water supply sector, expand clean water access and advance Cambodia’s climate commitments, improving services for more than 200,000 people.

UN Resident Coordinator Vladanka Andreeva said the initiative will help families and children in hard-to-reach areas benefit from affordable clean water powered by renewable energy, strengthening resilience and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

The programme supports Cambodia’s targets under SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation and SDG 13 on climate action, with investments in solar pumping and digital water management technologies. It will operate under a steering committee to ensure alignment with national development plans and climate commitments.