Cambodia Investment Review
Enrico Gaveglia has officially assumed his role as the new Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to Cambodia, pledging to deepen cooperation with the government and stakeholders as the Kingdom prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029.
Gaveglia presented his credentials to Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during a courtesy meeting held at the ministry. Sokhonn welcomed the appointment, acknowledging UNDP’s five decades of support in accelerating Cambodia’s national development priorities and advancing Sustainable Development Goals.
Supporting Cambodia Through LDC Graduation
Taking up the role at a pivotal juncture, Gaveglia emphasized that his leadership will focus on helping Cambodia navigate the challenges and opportunities of its upcoming LDC graduation. “I am deeply honoured to support Cambodia in realising its human development aspirations while keeping the planet in balance. A particular focus will be placed on the challenges and opportunities of the country’s graduation from LDC status,” he said.
He underlined the importance of adapting the UNDP’s cooperation framework to current reforms in the multilateral system, noting that the evolution of development strategies must integrate key areas such as poverty reduction, climate resilience, women’s empowerment, digital transformation, and green growth.
Strengthening UNDP’s Role in Cambodia’s Development
Gaveglia highlighted that UNDP’s objective is to remain the partner of choice in supporting Cambodia’s aspirations, delivering programs that are modern, agile, and results-driven. “Ultimately, our goal is to be that partner of choice — which is responsible, modern, and agile. A UNDP that delivers results effectively and efficiently for the people of Cambodia,” he added.
His leadership will focus on implementing the UNDP Country Programme Document 2024–28, which is closely aligned with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy and Vision 2050. The programme will be carried out in partnership with government institutions, civil society, private sector actors, development partners, and other UN agencies.
Continuity in a Longstanding Partnership
Gaveglia’s appointment comes at a time when UNDP and Cambodia mark over 50 years of collaboration. He acknowledged the strength of this partnership and noted that as Cambodia enters a new stage of its economic and social transformation, there is an opportunity to reinforce cooperation frameworks to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.
“Cambodia and the UNDP have a five-decade-long fruitful and trusted partnership,” he said. “This evolution must happen at the intersection of poverty alleviation and equity; climate and finance; digital transformation and governance; women’s economic empowerment and the green transition.”
Observers note that Gaveglia’s appointment signals a renewed emphasis on balancing human development with global sustainability priorities, a theme increasingly critical for Cambodia’s ambitions to integrate more deeply into the regional and global economy.
