More than 100 countries throughout the world have published National Human Development Reports. These reports have been important tools for the promotion of the cause of human development and a people-centred approach to national policy making. Each of the four previous Cambodia Human Development Reports has been very well-received by government agencies, NGOs, international donors and civil society groups. They have also attracted considerable media attention. More importantly, they have provided information that is useful for planning and programming purposes to many development organisations working in the field.

This report is the first Cambodia Human Development Report to be produced within a new capacity building strategy. It was prepared by the newly formed National Research Team with technical cooperation, and ensured full ownership of each stage of production. This is an important step towards national autonomy in production and full ownership of the Cambodia Human Development Reports.