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The NGOF is a membership organization that builds NGO cooperation and capacity, supporting NGO networks and other civil society organizations to engage in policy dialogue, debate and advocacy.

The First Quarterly Member Meeting of NGO Forum in 2020

  • ngofmail
  • Feb 27, 2020
  • 7 min read

The NGO Forum on Cambodia’s (NGOF) organized its quarterly member meeting on February 27, 2020, at Phnom Penh Ecumenical Diakonia Centre (PPEDC/ICF) from 08:00 – 12:00 presided over by Mr. Om Sophana, Member of Management Committee of NGOF and Executive Director of Mlup Baitong. There were 105 participants (20 female) represented to NGO members of NGOF in Cambodia.

Key guest speakers are Mr. Lim Bunna, Deputy Director, Department of Administration, Planning and Finance, Forestry Administration, Mr. Chhun Sivitha, Deputy Director, Department of Indigenous People, MRD and Ms. Lim Sereyroth, representative of UN Women Cambodia. The agenda for this meeting are: 1) Welcome and opening remark by Mr. Om Sophana; 2) Updating on the significant quarterly progress report of NGOF by Dr. Tek Vannara; 3) Election for a new Management Committee member to replace the two members that going to finish their mandate facilitate by Mr. Ouk Vannara; 4) Update on Production Forest Strategic Plan by Mr. Lim Bunna; 5) Update on Strategic Plan for IP Conservation and Development 2020-2024 by Mr. Chhun Sivitha; 6). Update on extent gender equality has been integrated into policies and programs of climate change by Ms. Lim Sereyroth.

Mr. Om Sophana, Member of Management Committee of NGO Forum and Executive Director of Mlup Baitong gave warm welcome remarks and thanked all NGO members, government, and development partners for their participation in the important meeting.

Chair of the meeting informed the objectives to share information with NGO members and discuss their challenges and needs in order to accomplish the goal asset in the NGOF work plan. Chairman also briefed the key agendas of the meeting as follows: 1) updating on the significant progress report of NGO Forum; 2) Update on Production Forest Strategic Plan; 3). Update on Strategic Plan for IP Conservation and Development 2020-2024; 4). Update on extent gender equality has been integrated into policies and programs of climate change.

Dr. Tek Vannara also updated briefly the progress of NGOF as the following major achievements from November to February 2020:

  1. MAFF has incorporated CSOs inputs into the draft of Agriculture Sector Master Plan 2030 through the consultative workshop

  2. Organized NDF-C steering committee meeting and 8th NFF reflection meeting: the first steering of NDF-C steering committee meeting was held at NGOF office

  3. Organized 1st NDF-C Quarterly meeting: 1st NDF-C quarterly meeting was organized in objective to Update general information among members (related to agriculture, food security, and safety…),

  4. Attended Regional Training of Trainers (ToT) on Capacity Assessment for Responsible Agri-Investments and youth in Agricultural Sector from 09-13 December 2019 at Bangkok, Thailand: The training is organized by FAO and AsiaDHRRA.

  5. Finalized CCB report and make it available for launching to the general public. NGO Forum is going to officially launch on March 4, 2020 at Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh.

  6. WoMA incorporated CSOs into draft Gender and Climate Change Action Plan (2020-2023) through the consultative workshop which was organized on Jan 28, 2020 at Himawari hotel.

  7. Organized exposure visits on Climate-smart agriculture and agriculture technique to NDF-C and NECA members: NGOF hosted an exposure visit to Battambang province to enable NDF-C and NECA members to learning from the practical experience of PDA, local community and private sector in contract farming, coping with climate-smart agriculture.

  8. RCC developed CSO’s press statement concerning Luang Prabang project and published: RCC on February 6th issued a press statement concerning the proposed Luang Prabang hydropower project. As a result, there were 5 media reported and echoed the statement, including RFI, VoD, Khmer Times, Cambodia Daily, and VoA.

  9. RCC coordinated its member organizations to participate in the 2nd National Consultation on the proposed Luang Prabang project on 9th Jan in Kratie province. As a result, CSOs and the community raised a lot of comments and suggestions on the proposed dam to CNMC.

  10. Finalized the Report on Doing Good Index which will be endorsed during this year. Which the report has illustrated about the 1)- Fiscal taxation 2)- Regulation (Civic space) and 3)- Government procurement plan.

  11. Developed two videos documentary, one CSDGs and one is NSDP.

  12. Joint with CCC in providing statements and inputs to Sub-Working Group on LANGO of MoI.

  13. Developed a 5-year BWG strategic plan of the BWG (2020-2024) through consultation with BWG members, EU, UNDP, and SIDA representatives.

  14. Finalized and submitted two project proposals to UNDAF.

  15. Provided refresher training on National and Sub-National Budget as well as on how to produce a video related to the National and Subnational at Rattanakiri provinces, there are 20 participants (08 women).

  16. Joint in TWG PFMR to provide inputs for Macro-Economic at the Ministry of Economic and Finance.

  17. Joint in TVK3 Talkshow on the importance of public participation in the budgetary process both National and Sub-National, and the video has been shared through Blue media website, NGOF Budget Voice and Youtube.

  18. Coordinated provincial meetings with provincial authorities and LAHRiN members to update land dispute report and 3-focused case follow up in Kampong Cham, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, and Siem Reap. The meeting aimed to follow up for land dispute case resolution and strengthen the provincial network for engagement and dialogue with the sub-national government.

  19. Submitted statement of the national conference on land and natural resources governance to all relevant national and sub-national government institutions for their updated information and action taken.

  20. Organize LAHRiN Steering members meeting to inform LAHRiN Annual Operational Plan 2020.

  21. Organize resettlement working group meetings to update the progress, challenges, and joint action to address selected resettlement issues.

  22. Coordinated dissemination and reflection workshop on indigenous collective land registration, preliminary mapping, community protected areas and technical meetings on indigenous peoples' collective land registration in Protected Area and forests reserve of the state.

  23. Coordinated Regional Exposure Visit on Land Governance and Natural Resources Management, Manila, Philippine co-organized by NGOF and NTFP-EP regional. The working group developed a joint-action plan to strengthen community rights in land and natural resources management.

  24. Worked with IPFN members and consultants to review the draft strategic plan for IP development and conservation in Cambodia and submitted to MRD.

  25. Participated and contributed to the 6th Annual Meeting of National Community Forestry Program Coordination Committee.

  26. Attended in the TWG-FR meeting to update the progress, challenges, and way forward for promoting CF livelihood and sustainability.

  27. Organized CSO-REDD+ Steering Committee meeting to provide direction on 2020 priority actions.

  28. Joint action to support National Community Forestry Program Coordination Committee for Reviewing Community Forestry Management Plan (in progress).

  29. Participated in Forest Governance Monitoring System development with Voice for Mekong Forest project partners such as RECOFTC and WWF.

Mr. Ouk Vannara, has introduced the three management committee members that going to finish their mandate and interest to be select and serving the second term including Mr. Run Saray and Mrs. Luy Raksmey. The results of MC election in the following:

  1. Mr. Run Saray has received 24 votes.

  2. Mrs. Luy Raksmey has received 20 votes.

  3. Ms. Pry Phally Phoung has received 18 votes.

Guest Speaker 1: Mr. Lim Bunna, Deputy Director, Department of Administration, Planning, and Finance, Forestry Administration presented about Production Forest Strategic Plan. Forestry Administration has cooperated with UNDP to develop Forest Strategic Plan. There are many policies. SDGs goal 15 related to forestry. FA has developed the National Forestry Action Plan and the protected area under the supervision of MoE. FA has developed a strategic plan for forestry governance. Every five years the NSDP has included forestry development plan. MAFF five years strategic plan included forestry governance. Many works of FA need to reform such as transfer the role and responsibility of forestry into the Provincial Agriculture Department. Based on the reform MAFF has developed a Forest Strategic Plan through the consultation workshop. The seventh draft was submitted to MAFF. The inputs from CSOs will be incorporated into the Forest Strategic Plan. It includes vision, mission, and goal. There are four objectives with 23 projects from 2018-2032.

Guest Speaker 2: Mr. Chhun Sivitha, Deputy Director, Department of Ethnic Minority, MRD presented about Strategic Plan for IP Conservation and Development 2020-2024. This Ethnic Minority Department under the ministry of rural development has the following objectives: The role of department:

  1. Support ethnic minority studies in the mountains, plateaus, and plains by clearly identifying the identity, traditions, and customs of each community.

  2. Coordinate all indigenous development activities in the mountains, plateaus, and plains in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

  3. Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the implementation of minority development programs and projects in Cambodia.

  4. To train civil servants at all levels of ethnic development and conduct workshops with all stakeholders implementing ethnic development programs and projects.

  5. Active in the development of ethnic minorities in the mountains, plateaus, and plains.

  6. Seek assistance from donors, national and international organizations for the development of ethnic communities.

  7. Establish and manage National and Mountain Development Information Center in collaboration with relevant international organizations, non-governmental organizations and neighboring countries with development programs Mountains and plateaus.

  8. Improving the people's development policy in the mountains and highlands for submission to the Royal Government.

  9. Develop guidelines and set up criteria for establishing ethnic communities for mountains, plateaus, and plains. Achievement, evaluation, identification: The Department of Ethnic Minority has a partnership with the Ministry of Interior to recognize 141 indigenous communities as individuals. Develop internal regulations and land use in a collective manner for 85 indigenous communities. There is a total of 455 IP communities. 154 IP communities were recognized by MRD. The Strategic Plan for IP Conservation and Development 2020-2024 was developed with the support from NGO Forum. Key strategic priority in the following: • Continuing study and assessment of indigenous cultural identity. • Strengthen the capacity of provincial officials and indigenous communities recognized by the Ministry of Rural Development. • Seminar to learn more about indigenous community development. • Celebrate International Indigenous Peoples Day. • Short-term skills training for indigenous peoples. • Establish an Indigenous Peoples' Community. • Opening of National Seminar finds out more about Indigenous peoples not yet listed in the National Indigenous People Policy Guide. • The construction of an individual land registration process and collective land use.

Guest Speaker 3: Ms. Lim Sereyroth, representative of UN Women Cambodia presented about extent gender equality has been integrated into policies and programs of climate change.

Women and men may experience the direct and indirect impacts of climate change differently (e.g. food security, water, health, workloads, survival, and injury or death…etc.). Women are often disproportionately affected by climate change and disasters. Socially constructed role, responsibilities, conditions & position in family and society. Limited access to resources and services (financial, training, technology…etc.)/denial of rights. The limited voice in shaping decisions and influencing policy. Unleashing Knowledge and Capacity of Women. Diverse capacity and can contribute differently to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

At the closing of the meeting, Dr. Tek Vannara, summarised the results to the QMM, thanked the honorable guest speakers and participants for sharing the knowledge and experience related to the topics proposed at the meeting responding to objectives and expected results.

Apr 7, 2025

Preliminary Results from Regional Consultations for Inputs to Cambodia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)
🌱🌍 Workshop: Preliminary Results from Regional Consultations for Inputs to Cambodia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Phase 3 📅 March 28, 2025 | 📍 Himawari Hotel, Phnom Penh The NGO Forum on Cambodia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, hosted a crucial workshop to present the preliminary results and key takeaways from regional consultations for Cambodia’s NDC 3.0. 👥 Around 90 participants (30 women) joined the event, including H.E. Kob Raly, Undersecretary of State and representative of H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, along with representatives from CSOs, government ministries, and development partners. ✨ Technical and financial support for the workshop came from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Oxfam in Cambodia (Fair for All project), HEKS, and the French Embassy in Cambodia. 🎯 Key Workshop Objectives ✅ Present key findings and stakeholder concerns from regional consultations. ✅ Discuss priorities for NDC 3.0 and align with Cambodia’s Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN) and national development plans. ✅ Strengthen collaboration between the government, CSOs, and development partners for inclusive and effective climate action. ✅ Enhance transparency, accountability, and broad stakeholder participation in shaping NDC 3.0. 💡 Key Takeaway 👉🏻 These regional consultations mark a crucial step in shaping Cambodia’s NDC Phase 3, ensuring a stronger response to climate change and a greener future! 🇰🇭🌿 📢 Join us in driving sustainable development and climate action! 🌏🔥 #ClimateAction #NDC3 #SustainableDevelopment #Cambodia #Collaboration #CarbonNeutrality

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Oct 17, 2025

Quarterly Newsletter
NGO Forum on Cambodia (NGOF) The NGOF is a membership organization that builds NGO cooperation and capacity, supporting NGO networks and other civil society organizations to engage in policy dialogue, debate and advocacy. Dear Readers, Welcome to the July–September 2025 edition of the NGO Forum on Cambodia’s Quarterly Newsletter! This quarter, NGOF continued to strengthen partnerships, promote inclusive governance, and advocate for environmental sustainability and social accountability. Through national and regional dialogues, community consultations, and collaborative policy engagement, we worked with diverse partners to advance fisheries reform, climate action, sustainable finance, and responsible investment. In addition, NGOF proudly introduces its new Strategic Plan 2024–2030 (Vision 2030) — METRI: Multi-stakeholder Engagement for Transformative, Resilient, and Inclusive Society  — which guides our collective efforts toward a more just, sustainable, and resilient Cambodia. Explore this edition to learn how NGOF and its members are turning these commitments into action for positive change. Multi-stakeholder Engagement for Transformative, Resilient, and Inclusive Society (METRI) Strategic Plan 2024–2030 (Vision 2030) The NGO Forum on Cambodia (NGOF) proudly launches its Strategic Plan 2024–2030, called METRI – Multi-stakeholder Engagement for Transformative, Resilient, and Inclusive Society. Developed through a participatory process and endorsed by members, METRI builds on NGOF’s expertise to address the evolving needs of communities and partners. It aligns with national and global frameworks such as the UN 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, Cambodia Vision 2030, and the Pentagonal Strategy (2024–2028). A peaceful, inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable society and planet. To be a professional membership-based organization influencing and supporting policies, laws, and practices that foster harmony, inclusive prosperity, and sustainability for all Cambodians. Citizens and civil society organizations are well-informed, empowered, and capable of influencing policies and practices for fair, green, and inclusive development. Strategic Priorities 1. Inclusive and Green Growth for All  Promoting transparent public financial management, green finance, food sovereignty, and fair trade. 2. Climate Change Resilience and Natural Resource Governance Supporting climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, land, water, forest, and fishery governance. 3. Vibrant, Resilient, and Impactful Civil Society Strengthening internal governance, enhancing civic space, and fostering member engagement. Strategic Roles Alliance Building & Support  – Promoting membership, coalition building, and partnership for collective advocacy. Capacity Development  – Empowering members and communities through training, peer learning, and exposure. Advocacy & Influence  – Driving policy change through evidence-based research, campaigns, and dialogues. NGOF integrates gender equality, governance, environment, and social inclusion (GGESI), alongside rights-based, nature-based, and data-driven approaches using science and innovation (AI) to enhance impact. With METRI (Vision 2030), NGOF is committed to championing multi-stakeholder engagement for human rights, inclusive prosperity, and a sustainable planet — ensuring that all Cambodians, especially women, youth, Indigenous, and marginalized groups, benefit from equitable and lasting development. Advancing Fisheries Governance and Marine Conservation The new Fisheries Law was signed on 28 June 2025. To ensure effective implementation, several sub-decrees and prakas are being developed, including the Sub-Decree on Conservation and Management of Marine Fisheries and seven supporting Prakas.  From 8–11 September 2025, the Department of Legislation of the Fisheries Administration (FiA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), NGOF, and AAC, conducted a consultation process in Preah Sihanouk province. Through the project Strengthening Civil Society Action for Economic Governance (SCAEG), NGOF facilitated inclusive discussions among local communities, provincial departments, and stakeholders to gather feedback and strengthen participation in the management, conservation, and protection of marine fisheries resources. Two dialogue workshops were organized in Kampot (14 August) and Kep (15 August 2025) to strengthen co-management and governance in fisheries resource management. Each workshop brought together over 45 participants in Kampot and 44 participants in Kep, including community representatives, the private sector, and government officials. The discussions focused on building partnerships, identifying challenges, and promoting solutions to enhance coastal resource management and local economic governance. Both events underscored the importance of collaboration and trust between communities and authorities for sustainable fisheries development. From 15–18 September 2025, further consultations were organized with participation from NGOF, AAC, CWDCC, FiA, and FAO to discuss seven key Prakas related to marine fisheries management, including technical gear specifications, licensing procedures, vessel monitoring systems (VMS), and fishing port regulations. These dialogues encouraged local engagement and strengthened cooperation between civil society, authorities, and technical partners. Strengthening Environmental and Climate Governance From 18–20 August 2025, NGOF, in partnership with CANSEA and the FFNPT Initiative, organized an awareness workshop in Siem Reap, opened by H.E. Dy Rado, Deputy Governor.  The event gathered 56 participants from civil society, government, and the private sector to discuss FFNPT’s three pillars — Non-proliferation, Fair Phase-out, and Just Transition — and explore Cambodia’s role in advancing national climate and energy strategies. A youth dialogue under the theme “What’s Climate Finance? Why It Matters” was organized by the Youth Resource Development Program (YRDP) in collaboration with volunteer youth groups in Phnom Penh. Mr. Mar Sophal, Program Manager of NGOF, shared insights on the importance of climate finance and youth engagement in addressing climate change. Around 60 university youths (46 females) joined the event, together with officials from the Ministry of Environment. NGOF extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Environment and partners for launching the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 for 2026–2035. NGOF and its members actively contributed to this process by facilitating nationwide consultations with civil society, indigenous peoples, women, and youth to ensure that diverse voices were integrated into Cambodia’s climate commitments. Through policy dialogue and knowledge sharing, NGOF continues to bridge community needs with national ambition on climate adaptation, mitigation, and enabling measures. Regional Workshop on Ecology, Climate, and Environmental Justice A regional workshop on “Strengthening Partnership to Act on Youth and Civil Society Engagement for Ecology Crisis, Climate, and Environmental Justice” was held in Kampot Province on 16–17 September 2025, co-organized by NGOF, ActionAid, CLEC, CEPA, CIPO, KYA, YCC, YFP, CYN, CWDCC, and CCYMCR. Over 80 participants (30 females) joined to discuss ASEAN and UNFCCC frameworks, emphasizing the leadership of youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples. Youth representatives developed key messages calling on ASEAN and COP30 to strengthen youth participation and resource support for environmental and climate justice initiatives. Promoting Economic Governance and Accountability On 15 September 2025, Mr. Soeung Saroeun, Executive Director of NGOF, participated in the Public Financial Management Reform Program (PFMRP) Technical Working Group meeting, chaired by H.E. Ros Seilava, Secretary of State, MEF. The meeting reviewed Stage 4 implementation progress and included over 500 participants from government, development partners, and CSOs. Mr. Saroeun presented six key inputs from citizens, including progressive taxation, increased sub-national budgets, and enhanced CSO participation in policy consultations. NGOF also proposed upgrading the CSO Budget Working Group’s status to full membership in the PFMRP Technical Working Group. From 9–12 September 2025, Mr. Mar Sophal, Program Manager of NGOF, joined an exposure visit to Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Melaka) with 18 CSO representatives under the Social Protection for All (SP4ALL) coalition, facilitated by Oxfam in Cambodia. The visit, organized by the Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC), focused on knowledge exchange, capacity building, networking, and learning best practices from Malaysia’s social security system to strengthen Cambodia’s social protection framework. Regional and International Engagements From 18–21 August 2025, NGOF and Teok Dey Sovanaphumi (TDSP) represented Cambodia at the APLL Summit and Nepal Humanitarian Conference under the theme “Unbroken: Strength Harnessed from Adversity – A New Normal.” Over 200 representatives from CSOs, governments, donors, and media joined the event, which launched the Kathmandu Covenant — committing to locally led humanitarian action and Global South leadership. Cambodia’s action points include expanding the Localization Lab for youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples and strengthening the METRI Café for trust-building and action research on localisation. Held from 17–19 September 2025, the Mekong Region Land Forum convened over 250 participants to explore inclusive solutions for land, people, and climate. Ms. Oum Somaly, Program Manager of NGOF, presented a case study on engagement with Cambodia’s Environment and Natural Resources Code during the country session. Sustainable Finance and Responsible Investment Fair Finance Cambodia (FFC) released a study highlighting the environmental and social impacts of development in Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong, calling for community-driven conservation and sustainable investment. Fair Finance Asia’s Consumer Empowerment Scorecard (Dec 2024) evaluated banks in Cambodia and across Asia on financial inclusion, literacy, and consumer protection, encouraging more responsible finance. NGOF and Fair Finance Asia (FFA) launched two new resources alongside World Water Week: A joint CSO statement calling for stronger human rights due diligence (HRDD) in climate finance. A digital primer introducing FFA’s regional impact and engagement opportunities. Additionally, the National Bank of Cambodia continues developing the Cambodia Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, aligning financial flows with environmental and social goals. Promoting environmental, social, and governance NGOF proudly congratulates Mr. Soeung Saroeun, Executive Director, for receiving the Great ASEAN CSR Business Award 2025 for ASEAN CSR Innovation & Development Business Strategy of the Year. This recognition highlights NGOF’s leadership and commitment to advancing sustainable development, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across Cambodia and ASEAN. Multi-Stakeholder Platform for Sustainable Rubber On 15 September 2025, NGOF, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Rubber (GDR) and WWF Cambodia, organized the Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (MSP) Forum in Mondulkiri Province under the theme “Strengthening Cooperation for a Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Rubber Value Chain.” The forum brought together 40 participants (7 women) from government, private sector, and civil society to review progress, discuss governance, and draft the 2026 action plan. Preliminary Findings on Toxic Substances Impact – Cambodia-Thailand Border From July–September 2025, a coalition of eight civil society organizations conducted a rapid assessment on the impacts of toxic substances resulting from Cambodia-Thailand border conflicts. The findings revealed significant risks to community health and the environment.  The publication aims solely to protect human rights and ecosystems and to promote accountability under international law.

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Mar 27, 2025

NDC 3.0 Consultation Workshop in Siem Reap
On March 19, 2025, NGO Forum on Cambodia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and supported by OXFAM, HEKS|EPER, and the French Embassy, hosted a high-impact NDC 3.0 consultation workshop at Angkor Paradise Hotel, Siem Reap. 🔥 Key Takeaways: ✅ Mitigation: Promote renewable energy, waste management, and stricter environmental regulations. ✅ Adaptation: Enhance healthcare, sanitation, infrastructure, and livelihoods. ✅ Enabling Environment: Strengthen education, governance, and sustainable practices. 📊 42 participants (25 males, 14 females, and 3 LGBTIQ+) from Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey, and Kampong Thom joined the discussion. The workshop emphasized stakeholder engagement, climate action financing, and regular monitoring to accelerate climate resilience and sustainability! 🌍✨ 📢 Join the movement for a greener Cambodia! 💪 #CambodiaClimateAction #NDC3 #SustainableFuture

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