Phnom Penh:The National Social Protection Council (NSPC) has launched the 'Cambodia Social Protection Week 2026' and introduced a new Action Plan for Implementing the Guidelines on the Social Protection Framework for Emergency Response 2026-2030. The event was inaugurated at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, who is also the Chairman of the NSPC.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the fifth edition of the Cambodia Social Protection Week is themed 'Social Protection amid Polycrises in the Cambodian and Regional Contexts: Innovation, Cooperation, Resilience and Sustainability.' This gathering brings together leaders from ministries, institutions, diplomats, development partners, and representatives from various countries to exchange experiences and best practices in social assistance and security schemes during crises.
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth emphasized the Royal Government€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¾¢s dedication to developing an integrated social protection system, following a life-cycle approach and the principle of 'leaving no one behind.' This initiative aligns with the Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1 and the National Social Protection Policy Framework 2024-2035, which focus on health improvement, poverty reduction, and social equity.
Significant achievements have been made in Cambodia's social protection system since August 2023, with healthcare programme coverage increasing from 4.7 million to 8.5 million people. The Health Equity Fund beneficiaries rose from 2.8 million to 4.8 million, and the National Social Security Fund's healthcare scheme coverage expanded from 1.9 million to 3.7 million people. Additionally, the cash transfer programme for pregnant women and children under two years old now supports around 2.25 million beneficiaries.
The national social assistance programme under the family package currently supports over 790,000 poor households, equivalent to about 3.5 million people. H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth highlighted the social protection system€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¾¢s role as a 'strong income security shield,' which is crucial for maintaining livelihoods and preventing poverty during crises.
The Royal Government has committed approximately US$1.4 billion to cash transfer programmes addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and floods. The newly unveiled Emergency Response Action Plan 2026-2030 aims to institutionalize Cambodia's social protection system, enhancing preparedness for emergencies. The plan, developed with input from various ministries and partners, focuses on five pillars: policy frameworks, programme delivery, payment systems, data systems, and financing mechanisms, with attention to inclusion and gender.
Its goal is to ensure efficient social protection for affected populations, particularly vulnerable households, during and after crises to support recovery.