Synopsis: Initiative focuses on bridging gaps in remote areas, promoting climate-smart and 21st-century skills, and ensuring inclusive, equitable access to quality education and health services.

The Education, Youth and Sport Ministry and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stepped up efforts to introduce a national learning and teaching programme aimed at strengthening life skills and preparing young people for the workforce, while expanding the use of technology in education.

The initiative was discussed during a Monday meeting in Phnom Penh between Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron and UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, June Kunugi.

Discussion focused on advancing Cambodia’s education system in line with the government’s Pentagonal Strategy and the Education Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2028. Key priorities included improving foundational learning, promoting climate-smart education, strengthening 21st-century skills, and accelerating digital transformation to bridge the digital divide.

Kunugi praised Cambodia’s education reforms and recent SEA-PLM results, noting progress in student learning and the rebuilding of the education system. She highlighted the need to address remaining gaps, particularly for children in remote areas, reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to supporting equitable access to quality education under the 2024–2028 national programme.

Naron thanked UNICEF for its longstanding support, citing progress from a decade of school reforms, including expanded early childhood education, scholarships for disadvantaged students, improved teacher qualifications, and the rollout of model school standards nationwide.

He noted that while Cambodia is embracing artificial intelligence in education, equipment, computers and digital infrastructure are still lacking in remote areas, requiring continued collaboration to ensure inclusive and equitable digital transformation.

On the same day, Kunugi met Health Minister Cheang Ra to discuss strengthening the health system, including maternal and child health, immunisation and nutrition. Talks also covered tackling malnutrition, advancing digital transformation in healthcare, and preparing a five-year programme aligned with the government’s development strategy, with a focus on expanding vaccination coverage.



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