Under the partnership, NBC and UNDP will cooperate across three priority areas: promoting wider use of the Khmer Riel through phased KHR-based wage payments and financial literacy initiatives; advancing climate and sustainable finance through the development and implementation of the national sustainable finance taxonomy and environmental, social, and governance frameworks; and operationalizing the Universal Trusted Credentials (UTC) platform—an initiative that creates a verified digital profile of enterprises using authoritative data, helping financial institutions assess creditworthiness more efficiently and improving access to affordable financing for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership: “This MOU provides a framework for cooperation that is fully aligned with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy Phase I. Through this bond, we reaffirm our commitment to further strengthening the resilience of Cambodia’s financial sector and advancing its contribution to inclusive and sustainable economic development.”

Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, underscored the importance of the MoU and reaffirmed UNDP’s strong commitment. “A strong and inclusive financial system is essential to support Cambodia’s smooth transition from Least Developed Country status and to sustain growth beyond graduation in 2029. UNDP affirms its commitment to working with the National Bank of Cambodia to translate our shared priorities into policy and practical action that delivers long-term benefits for the Cambodian people.”