Phnom penh: Cambodia is hosting the 4th IWA International Conference on Rainwater Harvesting and Management (RWHM2026) from Sept. 1 to 6 in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap under the theme 'Rainwater for Tomorrow: Water, Climate and Culture.' The official opening ceremony of the conference took place on Sept. 2 at the Khemaravithu Hall of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, presided over by H.E. Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the conference was jointly organised by the Royal Academy of Cambodia and experts from Seoul National University (SNU). In his remarks, H.E. Thor Chetha highlighted the growing uncertainties caused by climate change, including increasing risks of floods and droughts as well as changing rainfall patterns.

He emphasized that rainwater is a valuable natural resource that should be captured, stored, conserved, and sustainably managed to support agriculture, strengthen food security, and build resilient communities. The Minister underscored that the Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, considers water as 'white gold' and a key driver of national development.

Water has been identified as one of the five priority areas of the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1. H.E. Thor Chetha expressed support for initiatives such as Rainwater Schools and Khmer Rain Day, which can help foster a stronger culture of water management among young people and society as a whole.

He expressed confidence that the conference would extend beyond knowledge sharing by promoting practical action, stronger partnerships, and innovative solutions for Cambodia, the Mekong region, and beyond. The conference is also expected to contribute to strengthening international cooperation in rainwater management, water security, and climate resilience.