A new Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reveals that Cambodia has successfully reduced its poverty rate by half since 2014, thanks to significant improvements in health and living standards. Despite these gains, the report identifies persistent challenges in the areas of education and housing.

Cambodia's Human Development Index (HDI) has risen by 56.9% since 1990, placing the country in the medium human development category. This progress is marked by advances in gender equality, where Cambodia now ranks 116th out of 170 countries on the Gender Inequality Index in 2023.

However, the report also highlights critical areas of concern. Digital access remains limited, with 40% of the population still digitally excluded. Additionally, environmental pressures, including the heavy reliance on fossil fuels and biodiversity threats, pose significant risks to Cambodia's continued development. The report emphasizes the need for a stronger, more resilient growth model that prioritizes human development and environmental sustainability, especially in the face of global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.