UNICEF Representative to Cambodia Will Parks speaks at a consultation workshop during the event in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug. 29, 2023. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] 

Delegates from China and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) began a three-day field visit to Cambodia on Aug. 29 to conduct a feasibility study on piloting climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) technologies and solutions in the country. 

The feasibility study is expected to leverage Chinese expertise on solar-powered water supplies, water purification, and fecal sludge treatment in urban and rural areas to help identify Cambodia's gaps in technology and infrastructure.

"Climate change is a child rights crisis. The Children's Climate Risk Index ranks Cambodia in the top third of nations facing high risk due to the impact of climate change. Children are highly exposed to water scarcity, riverine flooding, and vector-borne diseases, among other climate and environmental shocks and stresses," said UNICEF Representative to Cambodia Will Parks. "We are grateful to China and UNICEF China for their support in implementing innovative, climate-resilient responses that build sustainable environments for the most vulnerable communities."

In Cambodia, one in four people in rural areas still lack access to improved water resources and sanitation, presenting risks to public health, hindering development, and resulting in water resource contamination risks, according to UNICEF's press statement.

Acting UNICEF Representative to China Nenad Radonjic noted that the China-Cambodia collaboration exemplifies how the parties involved can facilitate knowledge exchange and technical cooperation in the sector of WASH, climate, and the environment to help address common and critical challenges facing children globally.

The Cambodia-China Climate-Resilient WASH Cooperation Project is part of the South-South cooperation program between the two countries and UNICEF.

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