Advancing Sustainable Development in the Mekong Sub-Region through Inclusive Climate-Resilient Water Governance
Oxfam launches the IP3 project, advancing inclusive water governance and climate resilience with support from DFAT and SDC. The initiative promotes GEDSI, women’s leadership, and sustainable water management.
Oxfam officially launched the Mekong IP3 Inclusive Water Governance and Climate Resilience project, 12 November 2025, a bold initiative led by Oxfam and funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project aligns with Mekong Australia Partnership Phase 2 (MAP2) goals: leadership opportunities for marginalized groups, sustainable water resource management, and reduced climate change vulnerability. Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is a key outcome, enhancing women’s leadership and contributing to better governance and climate resilience.
The three-day kick-off and capacity-building workshop, held in Phnom Penh, brought together over 100 participants from government ministries, civil society organizations, Indigenous and youth groups, and development partners to align on a shared vision for inclusive, climate-resilient development in the Mekong region.
The IP3 project, which runs from April 2025 to March 2029, will be implemented by Oxfam in partnership with five local organizations including My Village (MVI), 3S Rivers Protection Network (3SPN), Culture and Environment Preservation Association (CEPA), NGO Forum on Cambodia, and the People’s Actions for Inclusive Development (PAfID). The project targets three key provinces: Kratie, Stung Treng, and Ratanakiri, and works in close collaboration with relevant government line ministries and inter-governmental institutions such as the Cambodia National Mekong Committee (CNMC), Ministry of Environment (MoE), Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), and sub-national administrations. Together, they aim to strengthen inclusive transboundary water resource governance and climate resilience in the Mekong subregion.
“Ms. Sophoan Phean, Oxfam National Director, emphasized that this is more than a launch, it’s a commitment to synergy building and co-creating solutions that reflect the lived realities of communities.”
“H.E. Serei Bandith, Under Secretary of State of MOWRAM, delivered keynotes highlighting key pillars of the Climate Resilient Water Governance Roadmap, which is guiding Cambodia toward A resilient, inclusive, and sustainable water governance system that ensures that equitable access, efficient use, and long-term protection of Cambodia’s water resources for people and ecosystems.”
“IP3 is not just a technical intervention, it is a transformative platform, GEDSI is the key enabler that ensures inclusion while women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities are empowered to lead in water governance and climate resilience. This contributes to both mitigation, adaptation and sustainable development.”
The first day of the workshop focused on building a shared understanding of IP3’s three thematic pillars: GEDSI and Feminist Influencing, Inclusive Water Resource Governance, and Climate Resilient Communities. Participants were introduced to the project’s MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) framework, safeguarding protocols, and financial compliance mechanisms. These tools are designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusive implementation across all levels of engagement.
The introduction of the IP3 GEDSI Framework and Action Plan provided practical tools for integrating gender and inclusion into project implementation. In addition, day 1 deep dive to understand the sub-national planning and budgeting processes presented by a representative from secretariate of National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development (NCDD) as the project aims to enhance functional relationship, joint actions and local leadership of community and sub-national administration to address the disaster risk and climate resilience in water governance.
On Day 2, participants explored the legal and institutional frameworks of water governance in the Mekong, including the 1995 Mekong Agreement and the roles of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and CNMC. Discussions focused on how civil society organizations and local communities can engage in policy processes and influence decision-making.
Day 3 shifted focus to climate resilience and innovation engaged climate change expert, NCDM, and private sector partners that showcased disaster risk reduction strategies, nature-based solutions, and technology-driven approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. These sessions reinforced IP3’s alignment with Cambodia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
By embedding feminist principles, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, IP3 is poised to contribute meaningfully to Cambodia’s sustainable development agenda. More broadly, the project strengthens inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development across the Mekong subregion, ensuring that transboundary water governance and climate action leave no one behind.