Ministry of Rural Development Launches Online Training on Climate‑Resilient Water and Sanitation

PHNOM PENH, May 18, 2026 (KPT) — The Ministry of Rural Development has launched a new online learning programme to strengthen knowledge and skills in climate‑resilient water supply and sanitation services.

The programme was unveiled in Phnom Penh during a ceremony presided over by Rural Development Minister Chhay Rithisen, UNICEF Representative Will Parks and Australia’s Deputy Ambassador Bridget Collier.

Around 300 participants attended, including government officials, development partners, NGOs and provincial departments.

The ministry said the course is designed to build the capacity of government staff at national and sub‑national levels to respond to climate impacts on rural water and sanitation systems.

It consists of five video‑based modules covering climate‑resilient services, climate financing, monitoring and evaluation, and methods for assessing risks and solutions.

Parks and Collier highlighted the importance of improving technical knowledge and planning capacity to help communities adapt to climate change.

UNICEF and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen resilience and improve rural services.

Rithisen said rural water and sanitation remain government priorities, citing progress under the National Action Plan.

By 2025, basic rural water supply coverage reached 89 percent, with safely managed services at 25 percent. Basic sanitation coverage stood at 95 percent, with safely managed services at 51 percent.

All 25 provinces and Phnom Penh have achieved Open Defecation Free status, while Phnom Penh and Kandal province have reached the higher ODF+ standard. Rithisen said continued investment in awareness, technical training and digital tools would be essential to meet future targets and respond effectively to climate challenges.