Australia and The Asia Foundation Support Inclusive Policymaking in Cambodia’s Provinces

SIEM REAP, February 5, 2026—More than 150 participants from government, research institutions, civil society organizations, community groups, and the private sector gathered today in Siem Reap Province for the Ponlok Chomnes Provincial Policy Forum 2026, supported by the Australian government and The Asia Foundation to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking at the provincial level.   

Organized under the theme, “Connecting Communities, Evidence, and Policy: Strengthening Subnational Decisions for Cambodia’s Future,” the Forum brought together provincial and national stakeholders to explore how community insight and inclusive dialogue can shape more responsive policies grounded in people’s realities. Reflecting the Forum’s commitment to inclusion, participants with disabilities made up 10% of attendees, with balanced representation of women and men. 

In his keynote remarks, H.E. Sok Thol, Deputy Provincial Governor of Siem Reap, emphasized effective policies begin with a clear understanding of conditions on the ground. He highlighted the crucial role of local evidence and community knowledge in helping provincial authorities make better decisions, respond to local needs, and contribute to national policy development.   

Ms. Meloney Lindberg, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation in Cambodia, noted that the Forum builds on the momentum of the National Policy Forum held in 2025, extending a similar model of dialogue to the provincial level: where policies are implemented and their impacts are most visible. 

Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive policy engagement, the Forum was co-designed and delivered by Ponlok Chomnes II partners, including Innovation Partners and the Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Consortium. The plenary session, “Local Solutions That Work,” featured five women speakers sharing practical experiences of addressing local challenges through evidence and dialogue. Afternoon parallel sessions showcased provincial cases from across Cambodia, illustrating how local authorities and communities respond to issues such as livelihoods, social protection, climate resilience, and service delivery. 

The Provincial Policy Forum is part of Ponlok Chomnes II (2023–2027), funded by the Australian Government and implemented by The Asia Foundation. The program reflects Australia’s support for responsive, inclusive governance in Cambodia. Insights and recommendations from the Provincial Policy Forum will inform ongoing provincial engagement and contribute to national-level policy discussions in the year ahead.