First, I would like to thank The Cambodia Daily who reported on Wednesday about the launch of our project “Strengthening Civil Society for Democratic and Sustainable Development in Cambodia.”
Second, I would like to inform you that the main heading and some contents of the article “Under Pressure, NGO Coalition Seeks Closer Ties With Government” (June 15), did not reflect the nature of the project well.
The project aimed for 1) enhanced effectiveness and impacts of civil society organizations (CSOs), and 2) improved enabling environment for CSOs. One of the key expected outcomes is “improved multi-stakeholder partnership in policy development and effective development cooperation at all levels.”
Third, I would like to call for the following addition in my direct quote, “We at CCC try to build trust that civil society is not working against the government—we are working to support the government.” I want to elaborate that it means “We at CCC try to build trust that civil society is not working against the government—we are working in an inclusive partnership with the government and other stakeholders to provide quality service to citizens and enable the citizens to participate in the development process at all levels.”
Soeung Saroeun is the executive director of the Cooperation Committee for Cambodia.
