Cambodia: National Policy on Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation on Equity-Focused and Gender Responsive National Evaluation Policies and Systems Hanoi, Vietnam from 23-24 November 2016 Cambodia: National Policy on Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation By THENG Pagnathun Director General, Ministry of Planning, Royal Government of Cambodia

Outline Purpose and objectives Current status Progress and challenges Conclusion

1. Purpose and objectives To improve the performance of the public sector through the strengthening of the operational, coordinated, and cost-effective production and use of the results (evidence) from the implementation of national strategies, policies, programs and projects. To enhance the basis for decision makers at national level (National Assembly and RGC) and at sub-national level to make evidence-based public policy and programmatic decisions and strengthen accountability and transparency in policy making and management To improve the confidence of the public in the capability of the National Assembly and RGC to systematically hold LMs/LAs and SNAs to account for achieving results based on reliable information and promote the use of evidence for planning and budgeting process.

1. Purpose and objectives (cont.) Specific objectives are to Embed monitoring and evaluation in the management practices of LMs/LAs and SNA. Expand the coverage of public policy and programs that are subjected to rigorous evaluation. Clarify the roles and responsibilities of the various actors in the assessment of public policies and programs. Strengthen the coordination of public and private institutions in the supply and demand of monitoring and evaluation. Strengthen the capacities of LMs/LAs and SNAs in terms of skilled personnel, requisite infrastructure, and policy environment to manage and implement the policy. Generate and share knowledge what works and what doesn't work and increase utilization of evaluation findings to improve performance and decision-making

2. Current status Since last 15 years, the RGC has strengthened its planning capacity through the elaboration of multiple strategies and development plans: 1) Triangle Strategy and its implementing tool, the 2nd Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP II 2001-2005); ii) Rectangular Strategy (RS) Phase I that was implemented through the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2006-2010, iii) RS Phase II implemented through the NSDP Update 2009-2013, and iv) RS Phase III implementing trough the NSDP 2014-2018, The RGC has integrated MDGs indicators into NSDP since 2006 for implementing and monitoring, The RGC has committed to focus on development and managing for results.

2. Current status (cont.) To achieve its commitment development and managing for results, the RGC decide to establish the National Working Group for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for NSDP Implementation (NWGM&E) under leadership of the Ministry of Planning since 2012 to formulate the National Monitoring and Evaluation System for NSDP and the National Policy Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation.

3. Progress and challenges The NWGM&E cooperate with LMs/LAs reviewed and proposed indicators for NSDP 2014-2018 by focused on RBM in late 2013, Formulated Orientation Guidelines for the M&E System for NSDP Implementation (MENI) in 2015 to support the M&E system strengthening process, Launched and disseminated MENI widely to LMs/LAs, DPs, relevant stakeholders and CVS, Conducted M&E capacity building though master certification course to 25 senior and professional staff from 4 central ministry and key line ministries in 2016; Prepared M & E Steering Committee send the RGC for decision in mid 2016, Drafted Cambodia Guideline for Equity Focused and Gender Responsive Evaluation (EFGRE) of Policies and Programes in Aug. 2016, Presented government progress on M & E to parliament members in 2016, and Drafted the National Policy of Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation in Oct. 2016.

3. Progress and challenges Long absent of M&E System Guideline, and Policy, Limited capacity on M & E in government ministry (structure and responsibility) and relevant stakeholders, Lack of M & E coordination among ministry, Lack of support from DPs on M & E in capacity building, and Not ready for budget allocation to M & E.

4. Conclusion The RGC in line with the country’s development policies, recognizes that M&E is an essential aspect of good governance to improve development effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, accountability and informed decision making in support of achieving equitable and gender-responsive development results for the people. Furthermore, in the absence of a culture of M&E among LMs/LAs and SNAs, RGC considers the need to establish the National M&E Policy to strengthen the enabling M&E environment for sustainable development.

Xin Cam On Nhiev. Thank you for your kind attention.