Cambodia, UNESCO agree to expand skills training for digital economy

Cambodia, UNESCO agree to expand skills training for digital economy

PHNOM PENH, Jan 28, 2026 — Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and UNESCO have agreed to deepen cooperation to develop a skilled workforce to support the country’s transition to a digital and knowledge-based economy, officials said.

The agreement was discussed during a courtesy meeting on Tuesday between Labour Minister Heng Sour and Flavio Bonetti, UNESCO’s newly appointed representative to Cambodia.

Heng Sour congratulated Bonetti on his appointment and highlighted ongoing cooperation, including the Decent Employment for Youth (DEY) programme and the Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP), which aim to improve employability and skills development.

The minister said strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) was central to the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, with a focus on equipping young people with specialised skills and technological literacy.

Both sides agreed to prioritise three areas of cooperation: integrating digital and green skills into training curricula to meet Industry 4.0 demands; expanding digital learning centres to support out-of-school youth; and accelerating certification of existing skills for returning migrant workers to help their reintegration into Cambodia’s labour market.

Bonetti welcomed the ministry’s approach and reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting an inclusive workforce prepared for the digital age. He said the partnership would contribute to Cambodia’s long-term economic objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.