Korea–UNDP Phase III Cambodia Pilot Project: Transfer Ceremony Temporarily Postponed Due to Safety Concerns

- Reports claiming “project suspension” are inaccurate; only the transfer ceremony has been deferred -

- STEPI will reschedule the ceremony once local safety conditions are stabilized –

□ Overview

Some media outlets reported on October 19, 2025, that “Korea’s water treatment ODA project in Cambodia has been suspended.” However, the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI, President Jiwoong Yoon) clarifies that this report is not accurate. 

The project is part of the “Korea–UNDP Phase III, P-LINK” a science and technology–based South-South and Triangular cooperation program implemented in four Mekong River countries — Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. It focuses on policy and technology collaboration in the water–energy–food nexus to strengthen regional climate and disaster resilience.

□ Facts

The Cambodia National Pilot Project implemented by STEPI and P-LINK team, which aims to develop a renewable energy–based water treatment and supply model, has completed all project activities, with only the official transfer ceremony remaining.

However, due to recent public safety concerns in Cambodia, the transfer ceremony originally scheduled for November 2025 has been temporarily postponed.

However, collaboration with the relevant partners including central and local government in Cambodia remains active and uninterrupted.

□ About the “Korea–UNDP Phase III, P-LINK”

The “Korea–UNDP Phase III, P-LINK” (2021–2025), launched in 2021, is a science and technology–based South-South and Triangular cooperation program aimed at enhancing climate resilience and strengthening sustainable development capacity in the Mekong region.

The P-LINK utilizes Korea’s science, technology, and ICT expertise to establish sustainable models for the production and utilization of key resources such as water, food, and energy.

Among these efforts, the Cambodia National Pilot Project seeks to build a renewable energy–based water management and supply system, contributing to improving climate resilience and enhancing the quality of life for local communities.

The “Korea–UNDP Phase III, P-LINK,” which concludes this year, has been recognized as a collaborative model that links Korea’s innovative technologies with local needs, enabling Mekong communities to operate and manage the projects on their own.

The initiative is regarded as a valuable example for broader dissemination beyond the Mekong region to the global community.

□ Next Steps

Once local safety conditions are stabilized, STEPI will reschedule the final transfer ceremony in consultation with the Cambodian government and relevant partners. 

In the meantime, STEPI will continue to promote science, technology, and development cooperation with Cambodia and other Mekong region countries.