AKK Phnom Penh, June 19, 2025 —

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha, met here this morning with Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative to Cambodia, to review the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and UNICEF.

The meeting, held at the Ministry's headquarters, fostered a constructive dialogue, with both parties acknowledging the significant achievements stemming from their joint efforts.

H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha expressed profound gratitude to UNICEF for its unwavering support, dedication, and contributions to Cambodia's human resource development and national progress.

He specifically highlighted the successful execution of key UNICEF-backed programmes that have yielded substantial results, propelling Cambodia's socio-economic advancement.

On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the deputy prime minister also extended thanks to UNICEF for its partnership in two critical initiatives: the Social Service Enhancement Project and the Child Protection Project. These programmes are instrumental in improving the quality of life and well-being for vulnerable groups, including impoverished women, orphans, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

For his part, Dr. Will Parks provided an update on UNICEF's 2024 implementation progress and outlined future strategies. He also underscored the organisation's primary focus areas, which encompass social policy programmes, education, health and nutrition, and child protection.

Both H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha and Dr. Will Parks commended the consistent progress and reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the collaboration between UNICEF and the Ministry of Interior, particularly in strengthening and developing sub-national administration throughout Cambodia.

By K. Rithy Reak