From peace to prosperity: The Cambodia-United Nations partnership

[photo: The partnership between Cambodia and the UN has evolved into a dynamic and enduring collaboration that continues to accompany the nation’s path towards lasting peace and prosperity. Article19.org]

#Opinion

As the United Nations (UN) commemorates its 80th anniversary on October 25, Cambodia’s journey from conflict to development stands as a compelling example of international cooperation.

Since the aftermath of civil war, the partnership between Cambodia and the UN has evolved into a dynamic and enduring collaboration that continues to accompany the nation’s path towards lasting peace, sustainable development, and long-term prosperity.

A legacy of peacebuilding
Following the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements on Cambodia, the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), established in 1992, oversaw the country’s transition to peace, political stability, and democracy. UNTAC supervised a ceasefire, repatriated refugees, supported civil administration reforms, and organised free and fair elections.

The 1993 elections, with nearly 90% voter turnout, marked a turning point in Cambodia’s history and laid the foundation for democratic governance and national reconciliation. Following the elections, UN assistance gradually shifted from humanitarian and emergency aid toward long-term sustainable development, focusing on poverty reduction, governance reforms, and human rights monitoring.

Cambodia’s partnership with the UN in promoting multilateralism and peace is exemplified by Cambodia’s active role in global peacekeeping. Once a host nation to UN peacekeeping, Cambodia has become a steadfast contributor to global security by deploying more than 10,000 peacekeepers to 10 UN missions since 2006. These forces have protected civilians, cleared landmines, and helped rebuild communities torn by conflict.

The work of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), a hybrid tribunal established in partnership with the UN to prosecute crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime, has been a cornerstone of Cambodia’s transitional justice. This challenging and relentless joint work is a testament to the strong and meaningful partnership that exist between Cambodia and the UN. The ECCC legacy will inform Cambodia’s legal and educational systems in generations to come, and, importantly, offers valuable lessons for the region and the world. It is a relationship of friends, also in challenging times.

Sustaining development together
Peace and stability in Cambodia have brought measurable improvements to people’s lives. Between 2010 and 2022, the incidence of multidimensional poverty dropped from 47.1% to 16.6%, while monetary poverty was nearly halved since 2009. Cambodia’s Human Development Index has risen by 56.9% since 1990, elevating the country into the medium human development category.

Cambodia is committed to advancing the quality of education, transforming the health system toward Universal Health Coverage, and promoting gender equality to fulfil economic and social rights that are essential for sustainable development. With its visions set on graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029 and becoming a high-income nation by 2050, Cambodia is entering a pivotal phase.

Looking ahead: Vision 2050
The next five years, as Cambodia prepares to graduate from LDC status, present a unique opportunity to accelerate reforms, invest ambitiously in the capabilities and well-being of people, especially youth and women, and strengthen governance, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and structural transformation. Advancing gender equality across all sectors, including women’s economic empowerment and strengthening women’s leadership at all levels, will be essential to driving inclusive and equitable development beyond graduation. The quality of this transition will be critical in laying the groundwork for Cambodia’s long-term aspiration of becoming a high-income country by 2050.

At the 80th UN General Assembly last month, Cambodia reiterated it’s commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and human rights. Upholding the principles of human rights and the rule of law will contribute to strengthening institutions, protecting civic space for participation, and ensuring equal access to justice—foundations that promote peaceful and inclusive societies, attract sustainable investment and elevate Cambodia’s international standing.

The enduring collaboration between Cambodia and the UN in peacebuilding, reconciliation, transitional justice, human rights, and sustainable development at the 80th year mark of the UN exemplifies the continued spirit of international cooperation and multilateralism. Today, Cambodia is poised to share its lessons and leadership in global dialogues on peace, justice, and inclusive development. Its experience offers valuable insights for countries navigating post-conflict recovery and sustainable growth.

As Kofi Annan wisely said: “We will not enjoy security without development, we will not enjoy development without security, and we will not enjoy either without respect for human rights.”

Cambodia’s story affirms this, and its partnership with the UN continues to evolve for a shared sustainable and prosperous future where no one is left behind.

The author is United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cambodia.

-Khmer Times-