Phnom Penh, 9 October 2026 – Mr. ​​ Remy Neou, Vice President of the Kampuchea Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Auditors (KICPAA), participated as part of the Cambodian delegation in the 43rd Session of the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR 43), organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), held from 30 September to 2 October 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Cambodian delegation was led by H.E. Dr. Ngy Tayi, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), with the participation of H.E. Bou Tharin, Director General of the Accounting and Auditing Regulator (ACAR), senior officials from the General Department of Taxation (GDT), and representatives from Cambodia’s academic, research, and private sectors, including KICPAA.

The delegation also participated in the UNCTAD Capacity-Building Event on 29 September 2026, which focused on strengthening regulatory, institutional, and human capacities to support the implementation of internationally recognized sustainability reporting requirements.

Key Outcomes of the Conference

1. Strengthening Capacity for Sustainability Reporting (29 September 2026)

The capacity-building event highlighted the importance of developing effective regulatory frameworks, capable institutions, and qualified professionals to implement internationally recognized sustainability disclosure requirements.

Discussions emphasized that successful sustainability reporting requires coordinated efforts among regulators, professional accountancy organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other stakeholders, supported by effective governance, reliable information, and appropriate internal controls.

2. Connecting Financial and Sustainability Reporting (30 September–2 October 2026)

One of the main topics of ISAR 43 was strengthening connectivity between financial reporting and sustainability disclosures, including climate-related, environmental, social, and governance information.

The discussions emphasized the importance of consistent, reliable, and interconnected reporting to support informed investment and financing decisions, transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic development.

International cooperation and alignment of reporting standards were also highlighted as important factors in strengthening the quality, comparability, and credibility of corporate reporting.

3. Strengthening Accounting and Financial Reporting for MSMEs

Another major topic addressed the accounting and financial reporting needs of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The conference emphasized the importance of simplified and proportionate accounting and reporting requirements that reflect the size and capacity of MSMEs, while improving their financial management, access to finance, and participation in international supply chains.

Digital accounting solutions and appropriate reporting standards were also recognized as important tools for strengthening financial transparency, supporting business formalization, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

4. Emerging Sustainability Reporting Considerations

Participants also exchanged views on emerging sustainability reporting developments, including biodiversity, human capital, and public-sector sustainability reporting.

These discussions reflected the growing importance of sustainability information beyond climate-related matters and the need for continued capacity development and international cooperation.

Relevance to Cambodia’s Accounting and Auditing Profession

The conference outcomes highlight the increasing importance of strengthening accounting and auditing competencies, promoting high-quality financial and sustainability reporting, and building professional capacity to respond to evolving international requirements.

Mr. Remy Neou’s participation provided an opportunity for KICPAA to follow international discussions and developments relevant to the accounting and auditing profession, particularly in sustainability reporting, financial reporting, and capacity development for MSMEs.

KICPAA remains committed to supporting the development of a competent and future-ready accounting and auditing profession in Cambodia, in collaboration with ACAR and other relevant stakeholders, and in line with international developments and best practices.