Cambodia Partners with UNFPA to Strengthen Population Data for Demographic Policy

Cambodia's Ministry of Planning is working with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to strengthen its data infrastructure, which is crucial for developing policies that respond to demographic changes. This collaboration specifically aims to bolster strategies for addressing Cambodia's aging population. On September 15, 2026, Minister Bin Trachhey of the Ministry of Planning met with Ms. Sandra Bernklau, UNFPA Representative for Cambodia, at the Ministry's headquarters. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in strengthening data to support the formulation and implementation of policies addressing demographic shifts. Ms. Bernklau briefed the Minister on UNFPA's new strategic plan, which places a stronger emphasis on population issues, data, and assisting countries in preparing for demographic changes. She also highlighted collaborative work related to population projections, the National Transfer Accounts (NTA), and preparations for the 2029 census, as well as cooperation on policy briefs. Minister Bin Trachhey stressed that formulating population policies must be based on current, high-quality, and reliable data, which should then be utilized in practical implementation. He called for technical teams to collaborate with UNFPA, using the results of the 2024 intercensal population survey to accurately prepare population projections in line with international standards. This work is vital for understanding the pace of transition to an aging society and for defining short, medium, and long-term response measures. The Minister also recommended studying the experiences of countries that have successfully adapted to an aging population to inform policy adjustments suitable for Cambodia's context. The Minister also raised the importance of measures to support families and childcare, including plans for childcare facilities at the Ministry of Planning. Ms. Bernklau suggested further studying the needs and obstacles faced by young people in starting families and having children, so that support measures can better address actual needs. Regarding future cooperation, the Minister agreed to collaborate with the Ministry of Economy and Finance on National Transfer Accounts (NTA) and National Transfer Accounts for Time (NTTA), and requested support from international experts to enhance the team's capacity. Ms. Bernklau informed that a regional project proposal to support this work in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam is in its final preparation stages, aiming to provide technical assistance and opportunities for experience sharing among the three countries. The Minister also instructed UNFPA to work with the National Institute of Statistics to examine the technical aspects and financial feasibility for the 2029 census.