In Cambodia, LuxDev is working alongside GIZ to improve the quality of local public services.
LuxDev in Cambodia
Cooperation between Luxembourg and Cambodia reached a significant milestone with the signing of the General Cooperation Agreement in April 2025. This signature marks the beginning of a structured engagement by Luxembourg in the country. In addition, an agreement was signed with the United Nations Development Programme to support humanitarian demining efforts, an issue that is crucial for Cambodia’s security and sustainable development.
Within this framework, Luxembourg Cooperation launched its first interventions in Cambodia, adopting a Team Europe approach through a contribution to the Improved service delivery programme, co-financed by Germany and Switzerland. This partnership, backed by funding of EUR 800,000, aims to strengthen the capacity of local governments to deliver essential public services. The adopted approach is based on programmatic cooperation, working directly with local authorities and technical partners to ensure effective implementation aligned with national priorities.
Challenges in Cambodia
Although Cambodia has experienced sustained economic growth over the past two decades, it continues to face major structural challenges in terms of human development. Equitable access to quality healthcare remains limited, particularly in rural areas. Health infrastructure is often inadequate, and disparities in healthcare coverage persist, especially affecting women, children, and marginalised populations.
In the education sector, progress has been made in school enrolment, but significant disparities remain. Dropout rates are still high in remote areas, and the quality of education is hindered by a lack of resources, teacher training, and suitable infrastructure. Inclusive education – particularly for girls and children with disabilities – remains a major challenge.
Social and economic inequalities are widening, especially between urban and rural areas. Access to decent employment, social protection, and basic public services remains unevenly distributed. Women's participation in economic and political life is still limited, despite awareness-raising efforts and ongoing reforms.
Lastly, the effects of climate change – combined with rapid urbanisation and fragile environmental management – are increasing the vulnerability of communities. These challenges call for integrated responses focused on reducing inequalities, strengthening public services, and building community resilience.
Activities in Cambodia
LuxDev’s initial interventions in Cambodia are part of the Improved service delivery programme, implemented by GIZ. This programme aims to enhance the quality of local public services in areas such as waste management, water supply, healthcare, and administrative services. It also contributes to strengthening decentralisation, promoting women’s participation in leadership roles, and supporting the digitalisation of services.
By supporting the development of local environmental strategies and improving municipal financial management, LuxDev is helping to build stronger and more resilient local governments. These actions directly address identified challenges by promoting more effective, inclusive, and sustainable local governance, in service of Cambodian citizens.
In the coming months, LuxDev, in coordination with the Embassy of Luxembourg in Laos, will identify priority areas and interventions to further structure Luxembourg Cooperation presence in Cambodia.
