Preliminary gaps, priorities and recommendations identified to strengthen Cambodia’s sustainability reporting ecosystem
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in collaboration with the Accounting and Auditing Regulator (ACAR) of Cambodia, organized a National Validation Workshop on strengthening Cambodia’s sustainability reporting infrastructure in Phnom Penh from 2 to 3 September 2026. The workshop was held in the context of the United Nations Development Account project on “Strengthening sustainability reporting to foster sustainable finance and investment in selected developing countries in Asia and Latin America.”
The workshop provided an opportunity to review and validate the findings of the national assessment of Cambodia’s financial and sustainability reporting infrastructure, conducted using UNCTAD’s Accounting Development Tool (ADT). The assessment was undertaken over four months with contributions from approximately 40 focal points representing regulators, standard setters, professional accounting associations, universities and market participants.
The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional and regulatory capacity alongside the adoption of international sustainability reporting standards. Participants identified challenges related to supervision and enforcement, multi-agency coordination, sustainability data management, professional capacity and the alignment of technical standards with legal and institutional frameworks. The need for proportionate approaches for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as stronger public-sector capacity for sustainability reporting and assurance, was also emphasized.
The workshop also reviewed Cambodia’s progress in sustainability reporting, including the adoption of Prakas No. 623 incorporating IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 into national standards. Participants discussed the country’s emerging national sustainability reporting roadmap, the role of the Accounting and Auditing Regulator in implementation, and the potential application of the ISSB Sustainability Disclosure Taxonomy to support digital interoperability and international competitiveness.
UNCTAD presented international developments in sustainability reporting and introduced tools to support national implementation, including the Accounting Development Tool, guidance on core indicators for sustainability and SDG impact reporting, and the Policy Guide. Participants agreed that the validated assessment findings and stakeholder feedback would inform the development of public policy recommendations and a national sustainability reporting action plan, including actions, goals, timelines and responsible institutions.
The workshop also identified complementary capacity-building activities, including a Sustainable Finance Workshop for institutional investors and financial regulators and training on climate-related disclosures for the public sector. Cambodia’s experience and lessons learned will contribute to regional knowledge exchange with other beneficiary countries under the project.
The workshop brought together more than 50 participants from national regulators, accounting and auditing professions, academia and industry associations.
