Cambodia Strengthens Disaster Risk Management Cooperation with US and WFP

The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) of Cambodia held a meeting on September 10, 2026, with a delegation from the United States Embassy led by Michael Ronning, Chief of Regional Strategic Assistance. The discussion focused on the humanitarian situation, disaster risk management priorities, and ongoing cooperation between the NCDM and the UN World Food Programme (WFP). During the meeting, Prak Kimhong, Deputy Secretary-General of the NCDM, presented the mechanisms and key priorities for disaster management in Cambodia. He emphasized the importance of strengthening community resilience and enhancing local capacity to enable citizens to prepare and respond in a timely manner. Key priorities highlighted included the development of commune-level preparedness plans, promoting early warning dissemination for all, strengthening local early warning systems, the disaster monitoring system (PRISM), the construction of safe havens, and other crucial measures to mitigate the impact of disasters on citizens' lives and well-being. Michael Ronning, representing the US side, highly commended the NCDM's leadership and efforts in strengthening partnerships with national institutions, international organizations, and relevant partners to enhance Cambodia's resilience to disaster risks. He affirmed that the US government will continue to support disaster risk management activities in Cambodia through the World Food Programme (WFP). This support will focus on two main priorities: enhancing institutional capacity in disaster risk management and strengthening response through social protection systems. The project management unit of the NCDM and the WFP will continue detailed discussions on the implementation plans and mechanisms for projects supported by the US government, ensuring that this support yields tangible results and contributes to strengthening Cambodia's national capacity and community resilience. The meeting underscored the continued strengthening of cooperation and partnership between the NCDM, the United States, and the WFP to contribute to disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and effective response. The meeting took place at the NCDM conference hall and was attended by Kyung-nan Park, Country Director of the WFP in Cambodia, and other colleagues. Source: AKP Khmer