Samarkand: Cambodia has called on all UNESCO member states to maintain their joint commitment to protecting and preserving the world’s cultural heritage. H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, made the appeal during the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Minister highlighted the recent clashes along the Cambodian-Thai border that resulted in significant damage to the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She expressed Cambodia’s deep regret over the irreparable loss to this invaluable cultural monument. Dr. Sackona also welcomed the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, signed on Oct. 26, 2025, with support from U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Dr. Phoeurng Sackona reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to UNESCO’s mission of building peace through education, culture, science, and communication, aligning with the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy, Phase I. She emphasized Cambodia’s understanding of the devastating consequences of conflict, having endured genocide and war, and the importance of peace as a foundation for sustainable national growth and development.
In education, the Minister outlined Cambodia’s focus on promoting basic learning skills, early childhood care, technical and vocational training, lifelong learning, and digital literacy. This approach aims to prepare young people to meet climate challenges and contribute to national development. She noted Cambodia’s ratification of all UNESCO cultural conventions, reflecting a strong commitment to protecting cultural heritage and combating the illicit trafficking of antiquities. The Minister also urged major museums and private collectors to engage in dialogue to return cultural properties to their countries of origin.
Cambodia is working to integrate heritage education into school curricula, strengthen community ownership, and promote creative industries. These initiatives contribute significantly to empowering women and youth and to local economic development. The Kingdom prioritizes the conservation and sustainable development of both tangible and intangible world heritage.
Finally, Cambodia underscored the importance of its partnership with UNESCO in advancing education, culture, science, and communication, in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The country called for the promotion of a balanced and ethical information ecosystem and respect for cultural diversity.