Phnom Penh: On 9th February 2022, Around 50 representatives of NGOs and French or European institutional organizations gathered to discuss possible partnerships towards a shared goal contributing to the development of Cambodia.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ operators presented their activities in Cambodia. The French Agency of Development has committed 880 million euros since its creation 30 years ago. A part of these funds is dedicated to NGOs. The French platform of International Exchange and Solidarity Volunteering, France Volontaires, is active in Cambodia since 2002. It supports and moderates the volunteering network and intends to promote and develop quality, accessible, and mutual volunteering.
The Ambassador of France in Cambodia, M. Jacques Pellet, congratulated the numerous French NGOs working in Cambodia, and for certain for many years. Part of them operate from France through missions and partnerships with local civil society organizations, others have their office in Cambodia. They are really active in the sectors of education, health, and gender equality. Several NGOs reallocated part of their budgets to provide emergency help to their most vulnerable beneficiaries to tackle the socio-economic impacts of the Covid-19 crisis.
During the event, the Ambassador also recalled that the development policy represents a pillar of the French foreign policy. The programming Act on inclusive development and combating global inequalities adopted by the French Parliament on 20 July 2021 gives to France the means to fight more effectively against global inequalities and to protect global public goods. Thus, France will dedicate 0.55 of its gross national income to public development assistance in 2022. NGOs will remain, key actors, because the amount dedicated to civil society organizations in 2022 will be doubled compared to the amount of 2017.
This event, rich in exchanges and meetings will allow new partnerships, thus strengthening the impact of French development assistance in Cambodia.
Source: Ambassade de France au Cambodge
