🌿🇰🇭 Advancing Sustainable Neighbourhood Development in Cambodia! 🌿🇰🇭

On 21 October 2026, the Build4People team held its second virtual workshop with Cambodia’s Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) to strengthen collaboration on the implementation of sustainable urban development approaches.

🤝 Three key topics were at the heart of the exchange:

🏙️ 1. Preparing the Build4People Transformation Toolbox Dissemination Conference

Scheduled for 3 December 2026, the conference will bring together government representatives, urban planning professionals, universities, private developers and other stakeholders to explore how sustainability criteria can contribute to Cambodia’s sustainable urban development.

📋 2. Advancing the endorsement of sustainability guidelines

Build4People and MLMUPC discussed the Ministry’s internal endorsement process for the project’s guidelines and evaluation criteria. A key principle is that these tools should not be regarded as fixed standards, but as a basis for joint development and adaptation to Cambodia’s institutional context and practical needs.

🌱 3. Testing the Neighbourhood Evaluation Criteria

The Ministry expressed strong interest in testing the online evaluation tool developed by Build4People. Potential pilot projects include OCIC’s Chroy Changvar Satellite City and TPMG’s Mekong Quay development. Joint testing will help assess the tool’s functionality, identify data gaps and clarify the planning documents needed for transparent sustainability assessments.

Looking ahead, the partners will continue working towards integrating sustainability considerations into planning and development processes. As the current project funding phase approaches its conclusion, establishing a pathway for longer-term implementation—including potential support from German or international donors—will be essential.

💡 The shared ambition: to move beyond sustainability principles on paper and develop practical tools that help raise the bar for a more sustainable neighbourhood development in Cambodia.

A big thank you to our colleagues at MLMUPC for their engagement and constructive questions. We look forward to continuing this important collaboration during our upcoming mission to Cambodia! 🇰🇭🤝

#Build4People #SustainableUrbanDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #SustainableNeighbourhoods #TransformationToolbox #Cambodia #PhnomPenh #UrbanSustainability #InternationalCooperation #BMFTR #SUREregions