UNICEF and the International Business Chamber of Cambodia Partner to Champion Children’s Rights Through Responsible Business

PHNOM PENH, 19 August 2026 – UNICEF and the International Business Chamber of Cambodia (IBC) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (2026–2029), marking a new partnership to harness the power of business to improve outcomes for children and young people across Cambodia.

By combining UNICEF's expertise in child rights and development with IBC's broad network of business leaders and investors, the partnership aims to foster a business environment where children are considered an essential stakeholder in sustainable growth and development.

Businesses influence children's lives every day through their employment practices, products and services, technology, environmental impact, and community investments. Through this partnership, UNICEF and IBC will work together to help companies better understand these connections and identify practical ways to create positive and lasting impacts for children.

"Children's futures are shaped not only by governments and families, but also by the decisions made in boardrooms, factories, offices and workplaces across the country," said Ms. Maha Damaj, UNICEF Representative-Designate to Cambodia. "The business community has a tremendous opportunity to drive innovation, create opportunities for young people and contribute solutions to some of Cambodia's most pressing development challenges. We are excited to partner with IBC to help translate this potential into meaningful action for children."

“Cambodia’s children and young people are its future workforce, entrepreneurs and business leaders. IBC members are already actively engaged in areas including education, health, road safety and skills development, and this partnership gives us an opportunity to build on that work with UNICEF’s expertise. By bringing the private sector into these discussions, we can identify practical ways businesses can contribute to creating stronger opportunities for the next generation and to Cambodia’s long term growth,” said Paul Clements, Chairperson of the International Business Chamber of Cambodia.

The partnership will focus on promoting business practices that support children's rights while contributing to national development priorities. Areas of collaboration include youth skills development and employability, child-sensitive workplace policies, climate resilience, digital inclusion, health and well-being, and opportunities for businesses to engage in initiatives that benefit children and vulnerable communities.

The partnership is rooted in the Children's Rights and Business Principles, a framework developed by UNICEF to guide businesses in respecting and supporting children's rights across the workplace, marketplace, community and environment. The agreement outlines a shared commitment to advancing these principles and encouraging their adoption across Cambodia's business community. Through awareness-raising events, knowledge-sharing platforms and capacity-building activities, UNICEF and IBC will encourage greater understanding of how child rights can be integrated into business operations and decision-making. The partnership will also create opportunities for companies to collaborate on innovative solutions and collective initiatives that help address challenges facing children and young people.

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About The International Business Chamber of Cambodia

IBC is a membership-based association representing international and locally owned companies and investors operating in Cambodia. Its core mission is to promote, support and represent its members, providing a platform to share knowledge, engage constructively with the Royal Government of Cambodia and the wider business community, and contribute to initiatives that support investment, responsible business practices and Cambodia’s continued economic development.