Hun Sen Urges UNESCO Support for Education and Heritage Protection

Terry Felix On April 30, 2026 - 7:27 am In Asia Pacific 1mn Read

PHNOM PENH, April 30, 2026 — Cambodia and UNESCO have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in education and cultural heritage preservation, following a meeting between acting head of state Hun Sen and the organisation’s country representative.

Hun Sen met UNESCO representative Flavio Bonetti at the Senate Palace on Thursday, expressing appreciation for the agency’s longstanding support and voicing hope for deeper collaboration.

According to officials, discussions focused on expanding cooperation in education, with Hun Sen stressing the importance of human capital as a foundation for economic resilience and national development.

He highlighted Cambodia’s progress in rebuilding its education system from post-conflict conditions and called for continued support to further strengthen the sector.

Both sides also discussed efforts to preserve Cambodia’s cultural heritage, including safeguarding existing sites and advancing new nominations for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Hun Sen raised concerns over damage to heritage sites during past conflicts, including the Preah Vihear temple, and called for continued international support for restoration efforts.

Bonetti reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Cambodia in both education and heritage protection, including technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives.

He also expressed concern over damage to cultural sites and pledged to work with Cambodian authorities on restoration and preservation efforts.

The meeting underscored the strong and longstanding partnership between Cambodia and UNESCO, with both sides agreeing to further enhance cooperation in key sectors.