Ms. Ishigaki met H.E. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment (MoE) of Cambodia and thanked him for the strong partnership with UN-Habitat.  The Minister introduced Cambodia’s advanced initiatives, such as its plastic waste reduction initiative.

Following the meeting, MoE and UN-Habitat formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for cooperation to jointly implement climate change actions in urban and human settlements, strengthen institutional and technical capacities, and support Cambodia’s national priorities, including the Climate Change Strategic Plan and commitments under the Paris Agreement. In her remarks, Ms. Ishigaki mentioned “It is a reaffirmation of a strong and growing partnership built on shared purpose and practical cooperation.”

The Third Cambodia Urban and Housing Forum (CUHF3), held on 29–30 April 2026 at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), co-hosted by MLMUPC, the World Bank, and UN-Habitat, under the theme: “Shaping Cambodia’s Urban Future: Productive, Resilient Cities and Inclusive Housing Systems.”  Ms. Ishigaki gave a keynote speech and emphasized the importance of proactive and integrated planning for the audience of more than 350 urban experts.

Ms. Ishigaki met H.E. Say Sam Al, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction.  On this occasion, she signed the MoU between the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) and UN-Habitat, which can serve as a platform for translating shared priorities into more structured technical cooperation. Ms. Ishigaki emphasized that UN-Habitat could help connect Cambodia’s national priorities to wider regional and global urban processes, including the World Urban Forum and follow-up to the New Urban Agenda.

In Phnom Penh, Ms. Ishigaki met Mr. Kazumasa Sanui, JICA Chief Representative in Cambodia.  They exchanged views on Cambodia’s urban transition and to identify practical areas for stronger collaboration.  UN-Habitat and JICA agreed continued exchange around national urban policy, smart cities, water management, and sustainable urbanization.

Ms. Ishigaki visited the port in Preah Sihanouk which provided an opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of one of the province’s most important economic and logistics assets. As Cambodia’s principal coastal gateway, Preah Sihanouk plays a strategic role in trade, investment, connectivity, and urban growth. The visit therefore offered discussions on infrastructure, the province’s broader economic development, and its impact on landuse, the neighboring areas including the informal settlements, and inclusive urban development. 

Ms. Ishigaki took a field visit to informal settlement communities in Preah Sihanouk Province, which UN-Habitat supported the slum upgrading through incremental approach. This provided an opportunity to observe local living conditions firsthand and to engage directly with community realities in one of Cambodia’s rapidly urbanizing coastal areas. 

Ms. Ishigaki met with Mr. Sor  Kackada, City Mayor of Sihanoukville, who shared the city’s urgent urban challenges, including population growth, domestic migration, rising rents, expensive land, and the expansion of informal settlements. Among them, the importance of waste management, based in Sihanoukville Smart City Action Plan, was highlighted. These realities remind us why inclusive urban planning is not optional, it is essential to ensure that cities remain livable, equitable, and resilient for all.

Ms. Ishigaki visited Sihanoukville and met with H.E. Mang Sineth, Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province.

This meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm UN-Habitat’s partnership with Preah Sihanouk Province and to discuss how ongoing collaboration can support more inclusive, resilient, and people-centred urban development under ongoing rapid urbanization and economic development of the Province. It became also an opportunity to highlight UN-Habitat’s engagement in the Province since 2011 through coastal climate adaptation efforts, smart city initiatives, and work on informal settlements, and to explore priorities for future cooperation with the provincial administration.

Ms. Ishigaki met Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia.

After sharing current UN-Habitat activities in the Region as well as in Cambodia, they discussed opportunities to strengthen coordination and to formulate joint projects with other UN agencies on urban resilience, climate adaptation, housing, WASH, One Health, and local governance.

Ms. Ishigaki visited to H.E. Mr. Farid Talibov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Japan.

For the success of the 13^th World Urban Forum(WUF13), to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17 to 22 this year, UN-Habitat ROAP and the Embassy of Azerbaijan will work in close cooperation.

We look forward to welcoming participation in WUF13 from Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.

UN-Habitat ROAP hosted a session under the theme “Sustainable Urban Development and One Health”, at the World Veterinary Association Congress 2026 in Tokyo.

UN-Habitat signed a MOU with the FAVA One Health Fukuoka Office in August 2025. During the session, Ms. Ishigaki presented UN-Habitat’s initiatives that also contribute to One Health and discussed with experts from the fields of veterinary science and urban planning on how urban development and One Health can work hand in hand.