UNESCO Country Strategy for Cambodia 2019-2023 - Unesdoc
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UNESCO
Country Strategy
for Cambodia
2019-2023
UNESCO #38, Samdech Sothearos Blvd.,
Phnom Penh Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Office
unesco.org/phnom penh
phnompenh@unesco.org
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1
Foreward
Your Sub Header
Sub Headerrole
UNESCO’s Goesin Here
today’s and
tomorrow’s Cambodia
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mollis imperdiet augue. Loram ispum dolor sit amet, condecteur. Loram ispum
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lectus, in rutrum massa.
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cursus. In rhoncus, lacus id rutrum gravida, nibh accumsan lectus, in rutrum
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It is my great pleasure to present the UNESCO sustainability and inclusivity of Cambodia’s Government to meet the increasing needs of
Country Strategy (UCS) 2019-2023 for the economic growth. the country’s young and growing population
Kingdom of Cambodia. This document and to realize the development aspiration
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programming of Cambodia becoming an upper middle-
engagement with the eros
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tool for UNESCO and its partners. ut cursus It helps income country and achieving the Agenda
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other UN Agencies, Development Partners, to define with greater precision, the fields of for Sustainable Development by 2030.
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and
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to Cambodia’s
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outlines I would like to express my gratitude to
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framework and all who are contributing to the successful
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UNESCO’s Vivamus mollis
contribution to the implementation of UNESCO’s interventions
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As Cambodia continues its transition sustainable development of Cambodia and programmes outlined within this
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middle-income
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UNESCO’s
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remains particularly (UNDAF) 2019-2023 and Cambodia’s acknowledge the continuous support and
relevant. UNESCO’s support includes National Development Priorities. collaboration of the Royal Government of
advancing the quality of education, Cambodia.
promoting lifelong learning opportunities, By working closely with the Royal
ensuring the preservation and sustainable Government, Development Partners,
management of Cambodia’s archaeological and civil society, significant progress has
and urban heritage, promoting creativity been achieved in the areas of education,
and living culture, integrating culture culture, communication and information,
within development, promoting access to and science. Looking ahead, UNESCO Anne Lemaistre
information, and advocating for science, is committed to continue to contribute Head of Office and Representative
technology and innovation to increase the to enhancing the capacity of the Royal UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh
5
2
1 Introduction
The UNESCO Country Strategy (UCS) (37 C/4), UNESCO’s approved programme and
2019-2023 presents the main areas of budget (39 C/5), UNESCO’s global priorities
UNESCO support in Cambodia towards the gender equality and youth, and builds on the
achievement of national priorities and the experience and lessons learned from more
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in than five decades of UNESCO support to the
Cambodia. Royal Government of Cambodia.
The UCS is based on UNESCO’s comparative In alignment with the UN reform aimed
advantage in Cambodia. It proposes a at increased coherence, efficiency, and
framework for UNESCO’s multi-sectoral effectiveness at country-level and in respect
cooperation with the Royal Government of of the principles of the UN General Assembly’s
Cambodia (RGC) in coherence and alignment 2016 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy
with the National Strategic Development Plan Review (QCPR), UNESCO continues to place
(2019-2023), Rectangular Strategy (Phase IV), strong focus on strategic programmatic and
Development Cooperation and Partnerships policy collaboration among United Nations
Strategy (DCPS) 2019-2023, and United entities at the country level, including through
Nations Development Assistance Framework its participation in common country and joint
(UNDAF) 2019-2023. The UCS is aligned with programming efforts.
UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy 2014-2021
The UCS is underpinned by UNESCO’s global guiding principles:
• Responding to a changing global environment by embedding the principles of the 2030
Agenda into UNESCO’s programmes;
• Adapting approaches through new partnerships and stronger integration within the
United Nations system;
• Reinforcing UNESCO’s action in favor of its global gender equality and youth priority;
• Delivering UNESCO’s programmes in a more integrated manner through sharpening
programme focus and strengthening interdisciplinary and intersectoral approaches.
3
1.1 UNESCO’s History
in Cambodia
Cambodia joined UNESCO on 3 July 1951. Upon
membership, the Royal Government proceeded to
establish a National Commission, the Cambodia National
Commission to UNESCO in support of UNESCO operations
in Cambodia. Due to the political situation during the Khmer
Rouge period, the Cambodia National Commission was
forced to close down in 1975 and all UNESCO operations
within the country were suspended. The UNESCO Office
in Phnom Penh was established and inaugurated in
1991 to contribute to Cambodia’s development efforts in
UNESCO’s five areas of comparative advantage: Education,
Culture, Natural and Social Sciences, Human Sciences, and
Communication & Information.
4
7
1.2 UNESCO’s support to
Cambodia SDG achievement
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
With the assistance of UNESCO and the Royal UNESCO directly
Government, Cambodia has successfully
supports the
localized the SDGs as well as added an 18th
goal on Demining / Removing Explosives
following Cambodia
Remnants of War and Victim Assistance”. Sustainable
Cambodia’s efforts towards the achievement Development Goals
of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable (CSDGs)
Development and the Cambodia SDGs
(CSDGs) provide a constructive enabling
environment for UNESCO cooperation with
and assistance of the Royal Government.
and policy advice, as well as capacity-building South cooperation to implement and achieve
UNESCO directly supports 11 out of measures in areas of UNESCO mandate and the SDGS.
Cambodia’s 18 Sustainable Development comparative advantage. Further, UNESCO
Goals (SDGs), enabling the Royal Government acts as a convening bridge and facilitator of
of Cambodia’s capacities by providing multi-stakeholder dialogues and partnerships,
demand-driven, evidence-based normative, supporting South-South and North-South-
1.3 UNESCO Comparative Advantage in Cambodia
UNESCO has a solid reputation as a In support of realizing the 2030 Agenda,
trusted, responsive, and flexible partner of UNESCO plays a significant role in all its
government, the private sector, and civil domains as a convener, broker, facilitator
society organizations in Cambodia. UNESCO and implementer of multi-stakeholder
in Cambodia is uniquely positioned to support partnerships. Acting in close partnership
the Government at different levels to meet its with government, civil society, private sector,
international obligations, as well as to act as a UNESCO is developing new types of inclusive
bridge between Cambodian CSOs/NGOs and multi-stakeholder partnerships, supporting
the Government, amplifying the voices of the South-South and North-South-South
most vulnerable and marginalized. cooperation, to implement and achieve the
SDGs.
UNESCO cooperation modalities in Cambodia
5
1.4 Partnerships / Opportunities
Through its more than 50 years of operation
in Cambodia, UNESCO has built strong
relationships with the Royal Government of
Cambodia, line ministries, UN sister agencies,
Development Partners, NGOs, Universities,
CSOs, private sector organizations, and the
media. UNESCO is uniquely positioned to
support the Government at different levels to
meet its international obligations, as well as
amplifying the voices of the most vulnerable
and marginalized by bringing together the
Government and CSOs/NGOs.
The ambitious agenda for 2030 and the
SDGs have introduced an entry point to a
new generation of partnerships between
Government, Development Partners, private and increasing domestic resources present a Looking ahead, increased self-generated
sector and civil society. new and dynamic reality – offering a valuable funds from domestic tax sources will allow
opportunity for UNESCO to reposition itself the Royal Government of Cambodia to
As Cambodia transitions to an upper middle- and to add value in support of national pursue its own development priorities.
income country, UNESCO’s engagement development priorities and the 2030 Agenda This provides an opportunity for UNESCO
in and support to Cambodia is evolving. for Sustainable Development. to support national development efforts
Cambodia’s changing development financing in a capacity as a technical advisor and
landscape with decreasing traditional ODA development service provider.
1.5 Cross-cutting issues
The UNESCO Office in Cambodia supports
the promotion of gender equality and the
empowerment of youth in all its interventions.
Gender equality: UNESCO’s programmes
build on a two-pronged approach of
gender mainstreaming and gender-
specific programming. Advancing gender
equality, including providing support to the
Royal Government in all fields of UNESCO
competence for the achievement of SDG 5,
continues to be a priority.
Youth: Empowering youth is an important
priority for UNESCO globally and in
Cambodia. UNESCO is committed to
supporting young women and men and to
help them to work together to drive social
innovation and change, to participate fully
in the development of their societies, to
eradicate poverty and inequality, and to
foster a culture of peace.
6
2 UNESCO’s engagement rationale
in Cambodia
2.1 Situation Analysis
Cambodia has experienced significant socio-economic changes in the past decade.
Key achievements over the past years include Cambodia’s impressive economic
development, a sharp reduction in poverty and inequality resulting in significant
gains in human development.
2.1.1 Development context and Cambodia’s socio-economic indicators
trends
Gross Domestic Product (US$), 2016 20.017bn
To provide an overview of the development
GDP per Capita (current US$), 2016 1,269,907
context in which UNESCO operates
in Cambodia, the following points are GDP Growth Rate (annual %), 2016 6.95
noteworthy:
GNI per Capita (US$), Atlas method, 2016 1,140
• Cambodia has reached Lower Middle-
Income Country (LMIC) status in 2016 Population (Millions), 2016 15,762,370
and is likely to graduate from Least
Population Growth Rate (annual, %), 2016 1.57
Developed Country (LDC) Status within
a decade. Life Expectancy at Birth, 2016 68.91
• Cambodia’s projected acceleration in Under Five Mortality Rate (per 1,000 live 30.6
economic growth is likely to result in a births), 2016
fourfold increase in per capita incomes
by 2030. Total Fertility Rate (births per women), 2016 2.56
• Cambodia’s Human Development
Index (HDI) stood at 0.563 in 2015, 21.6% of the population remain areas advances much faster than in
ranking 143 out of 188 countries. vulnerable to economic shocks, thus rural areas, creating a progressively
slipping back into poverty. Close to 4.5 increasing income gap between urban
• The demographics of Cambodia include million (28 percent of the population) and rural residents.
a demographic dividend: In 2017, 65 remain near poor and are vulnerable
percent of the country’s population is to falling back into poverty. 2.1.2 Cambodia’s trajectory
30 years of age or younger. towards 2030
• Migration from rural areas to the
• The Multidimensional Poverty capital Phnom Penh and other urban Driven by its long-term Vision 2030 and
Index (MPI) suggests that some areas is consistently increasing with motivated by linking the Cambodian
33% of Cambodians remain multi- majority of migrants being the youth. economy and its industry to the region in line
dimensionally poor, while an additional The poverty reduction in urban with the ASEAN Economic Community and
7
regional economic liberalization frameworks, tax administration. As a result, Cambodia’s The emergence of the Asian Infrastructure
the Royal Government has adopted the own tax and non-tax revenues totaled Investment Bank (AIIB) in particular has
Industrial Development Policy (2015- an impressive USD 3.5 billion in 2016, the potential to significantly change how
2025) to promote the country’s industrial equivalent to nearly 18% of GDP. Cambodia approaches meeting Cambodia’s
development. The policy helps to maintain SDG goals and targets. While the stated
sustainable and inclusive high economic Despite declining trends, Official intention of the AIIB is to complement and
growth through economic diversification, Development Assistance (ODA) remains an not compete with existing multi-lateral
strengthening competitiveness, and important source of finance and supports financing institutions, its development
promoting productivity. The Royal the provision of vital economic infrastructure agenda has a strong commercial focus on
Government has accordingly prepared and as well as supports the strengthening of economic infrastructure cooperation.
implemented the Development Cooperation Government’s capacity to provide public
and Partnerships Strategy (DCPS) 2019- services. In 2017, external development
2023 to continue to define development assistance accounted to USD 1.35 billion,
effectiveness in the Cambodia context down from USD 1.45 billion in 2014. USA,
as well as to set out priority actions for Japan, the European Union and Australia are
development partnerships, and to establish Cambodia’s primary sources of ODA grants.
working arrangements to support the
implementation of the Rectangular Strategy Other sources of funding are rising as
and National Strategic Development Plan. aid and development cooperation begins
to taper off. Foremost amongst them is
2.1.3 Development Financing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which was
recorded at its highest ever level in 2017,
The Government of Cambodia is well reaching USD 2.15 billion, according to the
positioned to lead and finance the next National Bank of Cambodia. Conditions
stage of national development, with the placed on soft loans by multilateral banks
Government itself increasingly becoming the and preferential trade relationships are set
main funder of Cambodia’s development. to have the largest external influence on
Impressive progress has been made in Cambodia’s development path.
Figure 1: Cambodia’s Demographic. Source:
strengthening revenue management and United Nations Population Division
8
9
Education
Education context
Cambodia has successfully expanded access to primary education with enrolment rates
in primary schooling consistently over 95%. However, for lower secondary education,
enrollments and completion of basic education remain low.
Repetitions and dropouts in the early grades remains a persistent challenge for
Cambodia. Similarly, reasons for the low secondary enrolment and high dropout rates
include multiple and interlinked issues such as uneven access, low quality of teaching
and learning, dated curricula, informal costs for families, limited prospects for good jobs
after secondary or tertiary education, a lack of vocational training and second-chance
programmes, as well as a generally perceived low rate of return for completing basic
education
In addition, the majority of teachers teaching at the lower and upper secondary levels are
under-qualified, under-paid and poorly supported. Hence, they commonly hold second
jobs and offer private tutoring to supplement their income.
At the lower secondary level in Grades 7, 8 and 9, gross-completion rates are lower than
47 percent. In 2016, 63 percent of secondary and tertiary aged young people (aged 12-
22) were already out of school. In particular children from vulnerable groups, including
people living with disabilities, indigenous communities, and other ethnic minorities, are
often out of school.
Cambodia 2017-2018 Enrollment Rates
43% Pre-primary education (Age 3-5)
Female: 44.2%
97% Primary education (NER)
Female: 98.1%
59% Lower secondary education (GER)
Female: 63.4%
Source: Cambodia Education Congress 2018
103 Cooperation Framework and partnerships
3.1 Education
The Government of Cambodia is fully committed to implementing the SDG4 — Education 2030 Roadmap.
UNESCO supports the implementation through three pillars of intervention: First, sector-wide Education
Policy, Planning, and Coordination. Second, teacher training and teacher reform, enhancing the capacity
of teachers and improving the quality of education. Third, promoting lifelong learning, including improving
literacy rates throughout the country with a focus on factory workers, out-of-school youth and adults.
UNESCO intervention framework in the field of Education in Cambodia
UNESCO support to SDG 4 - Education 2030 Roadmap implementation
Pillar I Pillar II Pillar III
Education Policy, Teacher Training Lifelong Learning
Planning, and and Teacher Reform
Coordination
Pillar I)
Education Policy, Planning, and Coordination
UNESCO supports the Ministry of Education, Upon request from MoEYS, UNESCO
Youth and Sports (MoEYS) and partners supports coordinating sector-wide policy,
in the development and implementation planning and management of the guiding
of the Education 2030 Roadmap, which is national education framework, the
fully integrated with the 2030 Agenda for Education Strategic Plan (ESP) 2019-2023.
Sustainable Development and Cambodia In order to achieve Cambodia’s Education
SDG 4 (CSDG4). 2030 vision and to strengthen educational
planning, management and monitoring,
In coordination and collaboration with the UNESCO is committed to support MoEYS
UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education in the implementation of the Education
in Asia and the Pacific, and UNESCO Strategic Plan (ESP) 2019-2023, applying a
International Institute for Educational multi-stakeholder approach.
Planning (IIEP), UNESCO enhances MoEYS’s
institutional and human capacities in Under the umbrella of the National and Information System (EMIS) platform,
education policy, planning, management Strategy for Development of Education combining education data from various
and coordination at the national and sub- Statistics (NSDES), UNESCO advocates for sources, including TVET and non-formal
national levels. an integrated Education Management education.
11Pillar II)
Teacher Training and Teacher Reform
To enhance the quality of education and to the Continuous Professional Development
address the high drop-out rates, UNESCO (CPD) framework.
supports the Ministry of Education, Youth
and Sports (MoEYS) in improving the quality UNESCO further supports MoEYS in the
of teaching and learning in basic education. design of In-Service Training (INSET)
packages for early grades teachers, the
Under the umbrella of the Teacher development of a framework to upgrade
Policy Reform, UNESCO supports policy qualifications of primary teachers to obtain
dialogue, advocacy, and monitoring of the Upper Secondary Education Certificate
implementation of teacher related policies. equivalence, as well as the design and
Specifically, and with the goal to enhance implementation of an innovative Pre-service
teachers’ qualifications and training, Teacher Education (PRESET) programme
UNESCO provides technical and financial to diversify the provision of pre-service
support to MoEYS for the implementation teacher education through higher education
of the Teacher Policy Action Plan (TPAP), the institutions.
Teacher Career Pathways (TCP) policy, and
UNESCO coordinating international
development cooperation in Cambodia.
Cambodia is a Global Partnership for Components of GPE III:
Education (GPE) partner country since Component 1: Development and
2006. Following two successful rounds Implementation of Continuous
of GPE support, Cambodia became Professional Development (CPD)
eligible for a third round of support Management Systems
(GPE-III, 2018-2021, US$ 20.6mio) Component 2: In-Service Training
to support improving the quality of (INSET) professional development for
education particularly in early primary teachers on EG learning
grades. Component 3: Upgrading qualifications
of trainers in PTTCs
UNESCO acts as the Grant Agent for Component 4: Renovation of PTTC
the fixed part (70%) of the GPE-III grant facilities for institutionalized INSET
and oversees the grant implementation
through the programme implementation The Grant Agent role creates synergies
plan Strengthening Teacher Education with donors at the country level, which
Programs in Cambodia (STEPCam). can support the mobilization of extra-
budgetary resources.
12Pillar III)
Lifelong learning
UNESCO supports MoEYS in the them to actively engage in society and their
development, implementation, monitoring community. A curriculum and textbooks,
and evaluation of lifelong learning policies specifically designed for the programme
and strategies. covering 62 learning hours over 3 months,
as well as a self-learning smartphone app,
In partnership with MoEYS and the Ministry relevant to the daily life of working adults
of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), UNESCO and youths, are applied.
supports the revision of literacy and NFE
related policy documents and strengthens Basic Education Equivalency Programme
the capacity of curriculum developers and for out-of-school youth and adults
NFE officials supporting the formulation
of syllabi and textbooks for basic and post In a joint initiative with MoEYS and MoLVT, as
literacy level. part of United Nations Joint Programme on
Youth Employment in Cambodia, UNESCO
Literacy Classes in Factories provides out-of-school youth with the
opportunity to complete lower secondary
In close cooperation with MoEYS, and with level education through online-based
initial funding support from the Malala Fund flexible learning – completely free of charge.
for Girls’ Right to Education and CapEd, A vocational training oriented programme,
UNESCO supports literacy classes for young the Basic Education Equivalency Programme
women working in factories, enabling them (BEEP), allows youth and young adults who
to acquire basic literacy and math skills. dropped out of school to enroll in a self-
Acquired skills empower women to realize paced, flexible, and Government-recognized
their full potential, as well as improve their equivalency programme. Learners can study
daily work communication, performance either in one of the 10 learning centers or
and productivity. Literacy education at their online anywhere and anytime, and complete
place of work enables women to reinforce the courses of their interest or need
critical thinking and life skills, allowing according to their schedule and availability.
13Culture
3 Cooperation Framework and partnerships
3.1 Education
The Government of Cambodia is fully committed to implementing
the SDG4 — Education 2030 Roadmap. UNESCO supports the
implementation through three pillars of intervention: First, sector-wide
coordination, capacity development and policy advice. Second, teacher
training and teacher reform, enhancing the capacity of teachers and
improving the quality of education. Third, promoting lifelong learning,
including improving literacy rates throughout the country with a focus on
factory workers, out-of-school youth and adults.
Culture context
Cambodia has unique and rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage and the Royal
Government acknowledges the important role culture plays in shaping national identity,
strengthening social cohesion, and contributing to the economic development of
Cambodia.
During the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia’s invaluable heritage was severely damaged
through nearly thirty years of fighting. Monuments and archaeological sites suffered
from neglect, degradation and pillage. Cambodia’s intangible heritage, including its
performing arts, was close to disappearance and only a few masters and artists survived
the genocide of the Khmer Rouge. Cambodia has since been rebuilding both its tangible
and intangible heritage, including its creative industries and performing arts.
The numbers of national and international visitors to Cambodia’s heritage sites are
growing annually. In 2017, more than 5 million visitors visited the Angkor World Heritage
site. The Royal Government, through the implementation of the Tourism Management
Plan (TMP), promotes that visitors act responsibly and do not cause any harm to the
unique World Heritage site.
12 143.2 Culture
Under the framework of the National Policy for Culture, UNESCO focuses with its interventions on
strengthening national authorities in their ability to safeguard and promote Cambodia’s national
heritage, creative industries, and museums.
UNESCO intervention framework in the field of Culture in Cambodia
Pillar I Pillar II Pillar III
Tangible Intangible Heritage Museums
Heritage and Creative Industries
Pillar I)
Tangible Heritage
Under the umbrella of the 1972 Convention, of Training and Research-Asia and Pacific Cambodian cultural sites are inscribed in the
UNESCO assists the Royal Government in (WHITR-AP). list of UNESCO World Heritage:
enhancing management and operational
Angkor (1992)
capacities to conserve and restore the rich With the aim to enhance protection of
cultural heritage of the country. Over the past Cambodia’s heritage, UNESCO builds
Preah Vihear Temple (2008)
decade, UNESCO has expanded its scope of capacity and assists the Royal Government
support from pure restoration management in the nomination of heritage sites under the
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk,
towards sustainable development and second protocol of the 1954 Convention for Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura (2017)
sustainable management of Cambodia’s the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event
heritage. of Armed Conflict with Regulations for the
Execution of the Convention. further assists RGC in the implementation
of the 2001 Convention on the Protection of
Given Cambodia’s rich underwater heritage, the Underwater Cultural Heritage. Underwater
including in the Tonle Sap Lake, the Mekong heritage hotspots have been identified.
river, and in the Gulf of Thailand, UNESCO
UNESCO supports the Royal Government
by acting as an institutional coordinator,
administrator, and supervising manager
between donor countries, the Cambodian
Government, and implementing teams on
the ground. At a technical level, UNESCO
places strong focus on building local capacity
through expert trainings on restoration,
conservation, sustainable management,
as well as historical documentation and
analysis. UNESCO pays close attention to
ensure the involvement of local communities
living within monumental complexes, and the
improvement of living conditions of affected
communities. Further, UNESCO mobilizes
expertise from the World Heritage Institute
15UNESCO has been supporting the historic site of
Angkor for more than 25 years
efforts, as well as to train Cambodian
The historic site of Angkor, which experts to with the aim to hand over
was for several centuries the centre responsibilities to national authorities in
of the Khmer Kingdom, is one of the the medium term.
most important archaeological sites
of Southeast Asia. UNESCO assists the III) UNESCO supports the Ministry of
Royal Government in the restoration Culture and Fine Arts (MoCFA) and
and management of the World Heritage the APSARA authority in restoration
Site through a cohesive multifaceted management, sustainable tourism
approach. management, the implementation of
tourism management, and sustainable the action plan for the conservation
I) An international coordinating development of the Angkor site. The ICC- and maintenance of forgotten and
committee, with UNESCO and the Angkor is a model to the international hidden small temples, as well as in
APSARA National Authority in charge community in terms of functioning and the promotion of living heritage in the
of its standing Secretariat, oversees effectiveness. World Heritage site.
and coordinates the restoration,
conservation and management of the
World Heritage site: The International
II) With funding support from Japan and
the Royal Government of Cambodia, 112+
Historic Settlements
Coordinating Committee for the UNESCO has been entrusted with the
Safeguarding and Development
of the historic site of Angkor (ICC-
technical restoration and conservation
of the Bayon Complex for over three 100,000
inhabitants
Angkor). Under chairmanship from decades. As part of a Japanese Funds-in-
the two co-chairs Japan and France,
the ICC convenes twice yearly to
Trust for the Preservation of the World
Cultural Heritage, UNESCO is entrusted
400km2
Temple areal including forested areas
discuss the restoration, preservation, to oversee restoration and conservation
Pillar II)
Intangible Heritage and Creative Industries
The Cambodian government has Cambodian culture sector, including public coordinates the annual arts forum.
demonstrated a strong commitment to institutions, CSOs, and the private sector,
defining and preserving its intangible cultural around specific issues. A culture task force, to Living Human Treasures
heritage and creative industries for future which UNESCO provides secretarial support,
generations. With the goal to strengthen To preserve Cambodia’s rich intangible
Cambodia’s performing arts and cultural cultural heritage, the Royal Government
products, as well as to foster creativity and has by Royal Decree introduced the Living
the diversity of cultural expressions, UNESCO Human Treasures Programme in 2010. Since
supports the Royal Government in the 2010, 17 of Cambodia’s most valuable and
promotion of Cambodia’s intangible cultural experienced masters in different artistic and
heritage and diversity of cultural expressions cultural disciplines have been appointed
and creative industries, promoting civic by MoCFA as Living Human Treasures.
participation and the dissemination of Appointed Living Human Treasures share
cultural activities. their arts knowledge and skills with students
from younger generations, passing on the
UNESCO provides capacity building to living heritage. UNESCO supports MoCFA
the Royal Government to support the in the documentation and establishment
identification and nomination of heritage for of a mechanism to ensure the sustainable
the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding transfer of knowledge and skills from Living
Cambodian traditions enrolled in the Repre-
of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Human Treasures to younger generation.
sentative List of Intangible Heritage:
2005 Convention on the Protection and
the Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Chapei Dang Veng (2016), a Cambodian musical tradition Living Heritage
Expressions, some of which is carried out in closely associated with the life, customs and beliefs of
collaboration with the International Research the Cambodian people. (Inscribed in list of Intangible To protect, revitalize, and promote the Royal
Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding). Ballet of Cambodia, the Sbek Thom, the
Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI). Tugging rituals and games (2015), East Asian and South- Chapei and the Tug of War (joint nomination
east Asian tugging rituals and games in rice-farming between Cambodia, South-Korea, Vietnam
Annual Arts Forum cultures. and the Philippines), inscribed in the UNESCO
List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO,
Royal Ballet of Cambodia (2008), also known as Khmer
To support the implementation of the is engaged with its main partners, the Ministry
Classical Dance, renowned for its graceful hand gestures
National Culture Policy, to promote dialogue, and stunning costumes.
of Culture and Fine Arts, the NGO Cambodian
and to foster partnerships, UNESCO supports Living Arts and the Neak Moneang Phat
the organization of an annual Arts Forum, Sbek Thom (2008), a Khmer shadow theatre featuring Kanhol Foundation in organizing regular
two-meter high, non-articulated puppets made of leather
bringing together all stakeholders of the performances and safeguarding activities.
openwork.
16Pipeline: Heritage Creative Cities –
Safeguarding Urban Heritage
Aiming at safeguarding and safeguarding of historic urban heritage.
regenerating precious living urban More specifically, UNESCO supports the
heritage, as well as reinforcing cultural Royal Government in further developing
and creative life in three selected urban heritage culture including
provincial cities (Battambang, Kampot, through the:
and Kratié-Chhlong), UNESCO supports
the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in • Identification and documentation
the implementation of the Cambodian of diverse urban heritage
Heritage Creative Cities Programme.
• Development of an integrated
management plan assessing urban
Acknowledging that creativity is an
values and needed urban services
important strategic contributor to
sustainable urban development, the • Restoration works of selected
Cambodian Heritage Creative Cities cultural and economic sites under The programme, which contributes
Programme is an excellent example pressing threats such as cultural to the achievement of SDG 11, is
of how culture-based development spaces and markets implemented within the framework
can support sustainable development of the Historic Urban Landscape
• Promotion of creative industries Recommendation, which seeks to
and enhance living conditions. To
including performing arts, visual increase the sustainability of planning
this end, UNESCO supports the Royal
and audio-visual arts, publishing, and interventions by taking into account
Government in upgrading the efficiency
crafts, etc. the existing built heritage, intangible
and attractiveness of selected cities for
local population and visitors through heritage, cultural diversity, socio and
• Capacity development of national
the rehabilitation of culturally important environmental factors along with local
professionals in urban planning
infrastructure as well as through the community values.
and heritage preservation.
Pillar III)
Museums and Cultural Objects
UNESCO assists and provides technical
advice and capacity building on collection
and museum management to national
authorities, including the National Museum,
the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and
provincial museums in Kampong Thom and
Preah Vihear. UNESCO museum training
courses, include the documentation of
collections, collection management, the
handling of collections in storage, security at
museums, and the handling of manuscripts
(with specific attention to the digitizing of
documents).
Cambodia’s rich heritage has been subject
to illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts for
hundreds of years. Khmer Art is highly
appreciated worldwide. Countless cultural
objects are being sold illegally on the
international art market. As a cornerstone
of rebuilding Cambodia’s identity after the
Khmer Rouge regime, the Government places
strong efforts on fighting illicit trafficking
and the restitution of stolen masterpieces provides instrumental capacity building and
to Cambodia. UNESCO, under the 1970 negotiation support to the Royal Government
Convention on the Means of Prohibiting which continues to lead to the identification
and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and and restitution of stolen objects.
Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property
17Communication &
Information
Communication & Information
context
The Royal Government of Cambodia has pursued the goal of building a strong mechanism
for Access to Information in the country and to develop a clear policy and legislative
framework on Access to Information (A2I) since 2004. In early 2018, following a three-year
inclusive and transparent drafting process, which included extensive public consultation,
the Ministry of Information released the final proposed A2I law.
At the 2014 Universal Period Review (UPR), Cambodia received a number of
recommendations which are still relevant today, including promoting the enjoyment of
freedom of expression.
Freedom of the press in Cambodia is limited. While the provisions of the Press Law are
generally positive in ensuring a free and independent press, Cambodia is experiencing
complex challenges with the implementation of the Press Law. In 2018, Cambodia is
ranked 142 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom index.
183.3 Communication & Information
UNESCO is the only UN agency with a specific mandate to promote freedom of expression. The
UNESCO Office in Cambodia implements projects to guarantee this fundamental right and its
corollaries, press freedom and freedom of information, as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
Through its different lines of work in the field of communication and information, UNESCO in Cambodia
promotes peace and intercultural dialogue, access to information, as well as gender equality and
the self-expression and participation of women, youth and members of marginalized communities,
strengthening pluralism and public debate in Cambodia.
UNESCO intervention framework in the field of
Communication & Information in Cambodia:
Pillar I Pillar II Pillar III
Enforcing Supporting Freedom of Memory of the
the Access to Expression and Press World Programme
Information Law Freedom
19Pillar I)
Enforcing the Access to Information Law
To ensure the effective implementation of UNESCO focuses its interventions on
the Access to Information (A2I) law, UNESCO three aspects:
provides capacity building and policy
support to policy makers, public officials, • Supporting the creation of a formal
journalists, and civil society. UNESCO trains institutional infrastructure and training
and equips members of the national and of key stakeholders
local administration and main partners
of civil society involved in A2I with the • Creation of an enabling environment &
appropriate tools and sound understanding Awareness raising
on important aspects for the effective
implementation of the A2I law. • Internal & External monitoring
Reasons for access to Internet in Cambodia (2016)
30% 32% 74%
To access information on To get news about Entertainment purposes
various topics Cambodia
Pillar II)
Supporting Freedom of Expression and
Press Freedom
Supporting and advocating for freedom of and the access to information legislation.
expression as well as free and open press
and media, UNESCO works with the Royal Further, UNESCO annually organizes
Government, with journalists, as well as celebrations of World Press Freedom Day.
with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Celebrations are organized in partnership
Cambodia. with relevant local and international
organizations and include awareness
To promote excellence in journalism and raising and capacity building activities, as
to advocate for freedom of expression well as provide a venue for public discourse
and press freedom in Cambodia, UNESCO on freedom of expression. The theme of
continues working with and training World Press Freedom changes annually
journalists and media professionals. and touches on topics of freedom of
Trainings are enhancing independent and expression, safety of journalists, and access
rigorous investigative reporting and cover to information.
topics including investigative reporting,
safety of journalists, freedom of expression,
20Pillar III)
Memory of the World
Following the vision of the Memory of UNESCO supports the Royal Government
the World Programme that the world’s in the identification, nomination, and
documentary heritage belongs to all, should promotion of heritage for the Memory of
be fully preserved and protected for all, and the World Register. Cambodia successfully
should be permanently accessible to all inscribed the Tuol Sleng Genocide
without hindrance, UNESCO promotes the Museum Archives in the register, as well
preservation of Cambodia’s documentary as participated in the inscription of the the
heritage, as well as increases awareness Panji Tales Manuscripts.
worldwide of the existence and significance
of Cambodia’s documentary heritage.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Project
Under the umbrella of the Memory world documentary heritage for future
of the World Programme, and with generations, UNESCO is overseeing the
funding support from KOICA, UNESCO, construction of a temperature- and
in partnership with the Tuol Sleng humidity-controlled archive facility. In
Genocide Museum and the Ministry parallel, capacity building workshops
of Culture and Fine Arts, is preserving, for involved stakeholders, including
digitizing, and creating access to over technical staff of the Tuol Sleng Genocide
400,000 pages of documentary heritage Museum and Ministry of Culture and
from the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Fine Arts, are providing high-quality
archives. The documentary heritage, training on the digitization, as well as a
which includes prisoner biographies, venue to discuss the multi-faceted and
confessions, photographs and Khmer complex nature of preserving memory
Rouge magazines, has been enlisted on behalf of all Cambodians.
in the UNESCO World Documentary
Heritage List since 2009. UNESCO is further organizing
international conferences on Genocide,
To foster education and reflection Memory and Peace. The international
among visitors (national, international conference allows the Tuol Sleng
visitors, researchers, scholars, survivors, Genocide Museum to gain international
families of victims, youth, etc.), UNESCO recognition and to learn and share best
is establishing a consultation and multi- practices in building peace museums.
media center. To preserve the original
21Natural Sciences
3 Cooperation Framework and partnerships
3.1 Education
The Government of Cambodia is fully committed to implementing
the SDG4 — Education 2030 Roadmap. UNESCO supports the
implementation through three pillars of intervention: First, sector-wide
coordination, capacity development and policy advice. Second, teacher
training and teacher reform, enhancing the capacity of teachers and
improving the quality of education. Third, promoting lifelong learning,
including improving literacy rates throughout the country with a focus on
factory workers, out-of-school youth and adults.
UNESCO support to SDG 4 - Education 2030 Roadmap implementation
Pillar I) Coordination, Pillar III) Lifelong
Policy & Planning Learning
Natural Sciences context
Culture context
Cambodia’s environment provides rich natural resources, including forests, waterways,
plants and wildlife. While Cambodia’s geography is dominated by low-lying central
plains that make about three-quarters of the country, other parts of the environment
Cambodia has unique
are very diverse andforested
and include rich tangible and (including
highlands intangiblethe
cultural heritage
Cardamon, and and
Dangrek
the Royal
Chhlong Government
mountains), acknowledges
flooded the important
forest, the Tonle roleMekong
Sap lake, and culture river
playssystem,
in the
shaping national
eastern plains and identity,
highlands,strengthening social
central forest, as well cohesion, andregion
as the coastal contributing to
which includes
the economic
mangrove development
wetlands and islandsofinCambodia.
the Gulf of Thailand.
During the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia’s invaluable heritage was
Around three quarters of Cambodia’s population strongly depends on its rich natural
severely damaged through nearly thirty years of fighting. Monuments
resources, making the management of the environment and its natural resources greatly
and archaeological sites suffered from neglect, degradation and pillage.
important. As the country’s economy develops, with an increasingly urban population
Cambodia’s intangible heritage, including its performing arts, was close to
demanding a modern lifestyle which is putting pressure on land, food resources and
disappearance and only a few masters and artists survived the genocide of
transportation, Cambodia’s protection of its environment and natural resources becomes
the Khmer Rouge. Cambodia has since been rebuilding its rich tangible and
increasingly important.
intangible heritage, including its creative industries and performing arts.
Cambodia’s
The numbers natural environment
of national faces different
and international challenges
visitors including logging,
to Cambodia’s heritage fishing,
sites
hydropower
are growing annually. In 2017, more than 5 million visitors visited the Angkor is
dams along the Mekong River and resulting biodiversity loss, all of which
coupled with a weak
World Heritage site.natural resource
The Royal policy and legal
Government, framework,
through as well as overlapping
the implementation of
mandates
the Tourism Management Plan (TMP), promotes that visitors actlevels.
among responsible authorities at national and sub-national responsibly
and do not cause any harm to the unique World Heritage site.
223.2 Natural Sciences
Through its different lines of work in the field of natural sciences, UNESCO promotes environmental sustainability through
Biosphere Reserves as well as through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) activities. In collaboration with the
UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences in Asia and the Pacific, UNESCO works towards fostering policies and capacity-building
in science, technology and innovation for sustainable development, and assists the Royal Government in formulating the
National Policy on Science and Technology (NPSTI), which is coordinated by the National Council for Science and Technology
(NCST).
UNESCO intervention framework in the field of Natural Sciences in Cambodia:
Pillar I Pillar II
Promotion of Environmental Education for Sustainable
Sustainability through Development
Biosphere Reserves
Pillar I)
Promotion of Environmental Sustainability
through Biosphere Reserves
Promoting environmental sustainability, management of the Biosphere Reserve.
UNESCO supports national stakeholders Among other interventions, UNESCO
in the sustainable management of existing provides coordination support and builds
Biosphere Reserves, as well as provides technical capacities of national government,
technical advice in and capacity building for NGO, and CSO stakeholders involved in the
the screening, evaluation, and preparation management of the protected area.
of nomination files for protected areas for
a future possible nomination under the To enhance and strengthen management
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) and coordination capacities of national
Programme.
authorities, UNESCO promotes the
Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve (MAB) establishment of a TSBR forum to build
a “community of practice” under an
Recognizing the unique ecological, international coordination framework
environmental, economic, social, and mechanism, similar to the successful
cultural significance of the Tonle Sap International Coordinating Committee
Biosphere Reserve (TSBR), the reserve was for Angkor (ICC-Angkor). The proposed
inscribed within the framework of the World Government-CSO-UNESCO co-chaired forum
Network of Biosphere Reserves and enrolled oversees the conservation, restoration,
in the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) sustainable development activities, as
Programme in 1997. well as scientific research undertaken in
the Biosphere Reserve. It also provides
UNESCO supports the Royal Government coordination and management support to
and the TSBR Secretariat in the sustainable the TSBR Secretariat.
23
12Cardamom Mountains the Cardamom Mountains, as well as to
ensure an environmentally, economically,
The Cardamom Mountains, located in the and socially sustainable usage of its
southwest of Cambodia, is one of the largest natural resources, UNESCO supports the
areas of contiguous forest remaining in Royal Government in the protection of
Southeast Asia and is one of the planet’s the area through the nomination as a
34 biodiversity hotspots. The Cardamom biosphere reserve under the UNESCO MAB
Mountains cover an area of 2 million Programme. A successful nomination of
hectares of forests, mountains, rivers and the Cardamom Mountains will contribute
villages, which due to their uniqueness were to improved protection, management, and
designated by the Cambodian Government stronger institutional cooperation in core
as Protected Area. areas of biodiversity, as well as the definition
of sustainable-use corridors that connect
To restore and conserve the ecological, existing protected areas.
economic and socio-cultural integrity of
Pillar II)
Education for Sustainable Development
UNESCO promotes and supports Education
for Sustainable Development (ESD) to create
a better understanding of sustainable social,
economic, environmental, and cultural
development among the Cambodian public,
particularly youth.
ESD Teacher training
To make education relevant and responsive
to today’s global and local challenges, as well
as to help the future generation in adopting
aspects of sustainability, UNESCO builds
capacities of educators and trainers in ESD.
In partnership with the Royal Government,
UNESCO equips teachers, educators and
trainers with the necessary knowledge, skills,
methods, strategies, values, motivation
and commitment to mainstream and
institutionalize ESD teaching and learning
processes integrated into their daily teaching
practice.
Biodiversity Teacher Training for
secondary school teachers
To raise awareness about the importance
of biodiversity and sustainability, UNESCO is
partnering with the Ministry of Environment
(MoE), the Ministry of Education Youth and
Sports (MoEYS), and a local NGO, training
teachers from rural areas around the Tonle
Sap Biosphere Reserve on biodiversity and
sustainability. Science and Engineering Festival partnership with the Royal Government,
Universities, and Development Partners,
Teachers are provided with a biodiversity The government of Cambodia is working organizes Cambodian Science and
toolkit in the Khmer language, which was towards improving support for science, Engineering Festivals, presenting STEM in
produced for the Cambodian context and technology, engineering and math (STEM) an exciting, accessible and fun way. Festivals
includes day-to-day teaching examples on education, inspiring and empowering inspire and empower youth with the
biodiversity and sustainability appropriate Cambodia’s youth to see STEM as an exciting motivation and tools to make themselves
for secondary-level students. career path. To support this, UNESCO, in STEM pioneers.
2425
4 Monitoring and Evaluation
Ongoing monitoring and
evaluation at UNESCO
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation is
critical for UNESCO in Cambodia to assess
progress towards the achievement of defined
outcomes and to be accountable to UNESCO
stakeholders, particularly to the Royal
Government of Cambodia.
The UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh demonstrates measurable
impact and results through its ongoing monitoring and
reporting of programmatic vis-à-vis strategic objectives and
expected results stated in results frameworks, as well as
through targeted impact evaluations.
Reporting on activities is carried out through UNESCO’s
internal project planning and management platform, which
is accessible to the Royal Government of Cambodia. In
addition, the UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh prepares biennial
achievements reports at the end of each biennium, providing
a review of achievements against defined outputs, expected
results and outcomes. Progress reports are publicly available
and shared with the Cambodia National Commission to
UNESCO, RGC, and other Development Partners.
Targeted evaluation activities provide credible evidence about
the effectiveness of UNESCO’s actions in Cambodia and hold
the Office accountable for its results. Under the umbrella of
UNESCO’s Evaluation Pol icy 2014-2021, the UNESCO Office
in Phnom Penh conducts systematic targeted internal and
external evaluations of its interventions.
UNESCO collaborates with other UN agencies and the UN
Development Group (UNDG) to ensure that UNESCO’s
monitoring and evaluation efforts remain consistent with,
and contributes to, United Nations policy and reforms. The
UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh actively participates in the
UN Evaluation Development Group for Asia and the Pacific
(UNEDAP) at regional level as well as the UN Evaluations Group
(UNEG) at global level to advance the effectiveness, relevance,
and quality of monitoring and evaluation activities.
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