Background

Since its founding in the 1980s, the NGO Forum on Cambodia (NGOF) has been a driving force in promoting responsible and sustainable development for the benefit of all Cambodians. As a membership-based platform of over 200 local and international civil society organisations, NGOF has led coordinated advocacy and action on critical issues such as land rights, livelihoods, natural resource governance, environmental protection, agriculture, and climate change. It has played a pivotal role in mine clearance efforts, advancing development justice, and establishing mechanisms for accountability and human rights. Through its deep engagement with provincial non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and grassroots networks, NGOF has amplified community voices and strengthened inclusive development. NGOF continues to serve as the Secretariat for major thematic networks including the Budget Working Group, River Coalition Cambodia, Network of Environmental Climate Change, Agriculture, and Water (NECCAW), Natural Resources and Land Governance (NRLG), and Government, Gender, Environment, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GGEDSI). Anchored by its 2024–2030 strategic framework—Multi-stakeholder Engagement for a Transformative, Resilient, and Inclusive Society (METRI)—NGOF envisions a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable society and planet. Its mission focuses on influencing policy and practices that foster harmony, inclusive growth, and environmental stewardship. Through collaborative action and strategic advocacy, NGOF remains committed to empowering communities and shaping a just and resilient Cambodia.

Main Activities

NGOF implements three main activities:

  1. Policies and Legal Influences (PALI)
    • Cross-Cutting Issues: Organizes events on land rights, water security, and environmental governance; contributes to national policies and laws.
    • Public Financial Management: Improves budget transparency and accountability through workshops and forums; advocates for gender-responsive budgeting.
    • Food Sovereignty and Agri-Business: Promotes sustainable agricultural practices; addresses challenges in value chains.
    • Free Trade: Advocates for fair trade practices; published Cambodia’s first citizen budget.
  2. Solidarity Actions for Community Harmonization and Sustainability (SACHAS)
    • Climate Change Resilience: Conducts workshops on mangrove restoration, sustainable farming, and waste management.
    • Land Governance: Research land acquisition impacts and organizes workshops to address land disputes.
    • Water Governance: Focuses on sustainable water management and coastal ecosystem resilience.
    • Forest Governance and REDD+ network: Promotes forest conservation and equitable resource management.
  3. Resilient, Innovative, and Transformative Institution (RITI)
    • Capacity Building: Strengthens governance and sustainability of NGOF and its members.
    • Innovation and Resilience: Fosters inclusivity and innovation in environmental governance.
    • Membership Development: Expands membership to enhance advocacy and collaboration.

Partnership with Ponlok Chomnes

NGOF is working with The Asia Foundation’s (TAF) Ponlok Chomnes programme under the initiative of “Promoting Inclusive Dialogue and Influencing Policies for Sustainable Development.” The aim of this project is to foster fair, green, and sustainable development in Cambodia by strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs), promoting inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue, and advocating for equity-focused, environmentally sustainable policies. NGOF seeks to achieve these objectives by strengthening the coordination of its CSO network and facilitating multi-stakeholder, evidence-based advocacy dialogues.

Please click here for more information about NGOF.