Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The Australian Government and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) have officially signed an arrangement aimed at strengthening the social protection and health system in Cambodia. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is partnering with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to fund the “Improving Social Protection and Health II” project.

Germany is providing EUR 9.7 million in funding and Australia is contributing AUD 4.5 million to the project, which will run until September 2027. Germany and Australia are collaborating to support the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia in enhancing social protection and health services.

Responding to needs expressed by Cambodian partners, this initiative addresses priorities for both Australia and Germany and builds on previous social protection collaboration. The project focuses on crucial areas, including the intersection of social protection and climate change, gender responsiveness, and disability inclusion in social protection and health systems. GIZ will implement the project by providing technical assistance for policy development, institutional capacity building, individual capacity development for implementers, and generating evidence to inform policy decisions and practices.

The National Social Protection Council serves as the main government partner for this project. The GIZ team works closely with the General Secretariat of the National Social Protection Council and other key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation, Ministry of Health, National Social Assistance Fund, National Social Security Fund, National Payment Certification Agency, Social Security Regulator and others.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to deliver solutions that enhance Cambodia’s social protection system and provide essential services for those in need,” said Bridget Collier, Chargé d’Affaires to the Kingdom of Cambodia. She continued, “In line with Australia’s development priorities, this project is focused on strengthening institutional capacity in order to tackle poverty and inequality, expand economic mobility for Cambodians, and drive sustainable growth.”

“We are proud to partner with the Australian Government on this vital initiative, which reflects our shared commitment to enhancing social protection and health systems in Cambodia. By working together, we can ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support they need, fostering resilience and promoting inclusive growth in the region.” said Jost Kadel, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Phnom Penh.

GIZ, recognised for its expertise in international cooperation for sustainable development, will leverage its extensive network and experience in implementing social protection and health projects to ensure the success of this initiative. “We are excited to partner with Australia on this essential project and grateful for the trust the funding partners have in our work,” stated Kristina Knispel, Programme Director at GIZ for the Improving Social Protection and Health II project in Cambodia. “Together, we can create a sustainable impact that supports the health and social well-being of communities.” she added.

The co-funding support will enable the “Improving Social Protection and Health II” project to implement support in line with partner needs and applying innovative approaches. By fostering collaboration across government institutions and operators, and amongst communities, the project aims to support sustainable and systemic development of the social protection and health sector.

For more information about the “Improving Social Protection and Health II” project, please refer to the GIZ Website: Making social protection and health services gender just and crisis proof - giz.de and the factsheet available at giz2024-en-ISPH-II-factsheet.pdf.

More information on GIZ’s engagement in Cambodia can be found here: Cambodia - giz.de

More information on DFAT’s engagement in Cambodia can be found here

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Media Contact of Australian Embassy:

Media.Cambodia@dfat.gov.au

Media Contact of German Embassy:

Jost Kadel
Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation

German Embassy in Cambodia

v@phno.auswaertiges-amt.de

Media Contact of GIZ Cambodia:

Sovannary Ky
Communication Specialist
GIZ Country Office Cambodia

sovannary.ky@giz.de