Phnom penh: Cambodian Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation H.E. Chea Somethy on Thursday presided over the 13th Autism and Down Syndrome Awareness Day, underscoring the Royal Government's push for digital transformation and inclusive development for persons with disabilities.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the event, held at the Ministry's headquarters, was jointly organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and the Disability Action Council under the theme: 'Digital Transformation and Inclusion of Persons with Autism and Down Syndrome Across All Sectors.' H.E. Chea Somethy, who also chairs the council, attended alongside his spouse, with participation from senior government officials, development partners, persons with disabilities and their families, totaling 333 attendees.

H.E. Ung Sambath, Secretary General of the Disability Action Council, noted that World Autism Awareness Day has been observed annually on April 2 since 2008 under U.N. General Assembly Resolution A/RES/62/139, while World Down Syndrome Day has been marked on Mar. 21 each year since 2011 under Resolution A/RES/66/149. He said both observances aim to raise public awareness, promote rights and well-being, and foster equality and inclusion, while encouraging the full participation of persons with autism and Down syndrome in society and reducing discrimination and stigma.

In his remarks, H.E. Chea Somethy outlined key priorities to advance related work, including expanding public awareness among families and communities, promoting inclusive education and specialised training for teachers, strengthening professional capacity for diagnosis and assessment nationwide, and increasing opportunities for social participation. He also called for vocational training programmes to improve employment prospects, broader outreach to local authorities and policymakers, and greater support from development partners, NGOs and the private sector through technical and financial assistance.

H.E Minister further instructed the council's secretariat to coordinate with the Health Ministry to enhance public awareness efforts, produce educational materials, and organise outreach visits to schools serving children with autism and Down syndrome, including a planned visit to a special education high school in Takhmao city, Kandal province.