Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s rapidly growing capital, faces unique challenges as rural-urban migration accelerates.
As of 2023, approximately 26 per cent of Cambodia’s population resides in urban areas, and this figure is expected to double by 2050. Migration to Phnom Penh has been particularly rapid.
This migration from rural regions has fueled economic growth and contributed to national poverty reduction. Yet, significant gaps remain in the quality of life for Phnom Penh’s urban poor, particularly in informal settlements.
The project Enhancing Public Services In Phnom Penh’s Informal Settlements and Facilitating Access to Decent Work Opportunities for Residents marks a milestone in empowering local communities to address urban challenges.
This pilot project, led by local city stakeholders in an innovative consortium, seeks to strengthen the resilience and inclusion of Phnom Penh’s urban poor. It focuses on rural migrants from Cambodia’s provinces and supporting the overwhelmed host communities and local administration struggling with the rapid influx.
By involving both local government and community partners, the project aims to build a sustainable framework that improves access to services, enhances labor market integration, and promotes inclusive development within Phnom Penh’s urban slums.
The project is part of the Urban Mekong Corridor Initiative (UMCI) funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
