Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has expressed deep appreciation for UNESCO's ongoing support in safeguarding the country's tangible and intangible cultural heritage, describing it as a precious legacy for all of humanity. The remarks were made during a bilateral meeting with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on Saturday, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Spokesperson Unit.

Key Developments from the Meeting

Hun Manet emphasised that cultural heritage is not merely about preserving physical structures or ancestral legacies — it also encompasses the national soul and serves as a foundation for educating younger generations about their country's culture, civilisation, and history. He stressed that heritage conservation is a vital driver of inclusive and sustainable development.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of peace and stability as essential preconditions for both cultural conservation and sustained socio-economic growth — a linkage that reflects Cambodia's post-conflict recovery narrative over recent decades.

Government Priorities: Digitisation and National Identity

Hun Manet outlined several government-led initiatives, including the prioritisation of conservation work, historical record preservation, and the promotion of national identity. Notably, he underscored efforts to digitise historical documents, creating an accessible knowledge resource for students and researchers — a move that aligns with broader regional trends in digital heritage archiving.

What UNESCO's Director-General Said

For his part, El-Enany praised the depth of cooperation between Cambodia and UNESCO across the fields of culture, education, and science. He pledged that UNESCO would continue to work closely with Cambodia, affirming ongoing support particularly for the long-term preservation and conservation of cultural heritage.

El-Enany arrived in Cambodia on Friday to participate in celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Cambodia's membership in UNESCO, as well as the 20th Francophonie Summit — giving the meeting additional diplomatic weight beyond a routine bilateral exchange.

Broader Context

Cambodia is home to some of the world's most significant archaeological and cultural sites, including the Angkor Wat complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. The country has long depended on international partnerships for conservation funding and technical expertise, particularly as it continues to rebuild institutions following the devastation of the Khmer Rouge era. This meeting reinforces Cambodia's sustained engagement with multilateral cultural bodies at a symbolically significant milestone year.