Cambodia prepares for 75th UNESCO anniversary
Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona (L) holds a working meeting with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany in Paris on June 19. MCFA
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Synopsis: The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts initiates bilateral preparations to mark the Kingdom’s accession to the UN agency, as well as an official visit by its director-general.
Cambodia has launched preparations to mark the 75th anniversary of its accession to UNESCO, anchoring its strategy on expanded international cultural diplomacy.
Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona, who chairs the National Commission for UNESCO Cambodia, discussed the anniversary plans with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany in Paris. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 11th General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The two officials also discussed details regarding El-Enany’s upcoming official visit to the kingdom.
Sackona said Cambodia remains committed to protecting, preserving and promoting the nation’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
El-Enany added that UNESCO remains committed to using culture and cultural heritage as a bridge for dialogue, mutual understanding and the promotion of peace during periods of global conflict and tension.
The diplomatic push coincides with Cambodia securing a seat on the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026-2030 term.
Sum Mab, spokesman for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said Cambodia will play an increasingly active role in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage on the international stage. He added that the new four-year committee seat gives the Kingdom voting rights on global heritage inscriptions and the opportunity to host future committee sessions, calling the election a significant achievement resulting from cultural diplomacy.
As a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the next four years, Cambodia will participate in decisions on nominations submitted by countries seeking inscription of their heritage elements on UNESCO’s lists. The committee provides guidance on the implementation of safeguarding measures, reviews global nominations and coordinates international assistance for heritage conservation.
Mab added that Cambodia’s election to the body reflects the confidence of the international community and recognition of the country’s rich cultural heritage alongside its longstanding commitment to safeguarding humanity’s living heritage.
Cambodia became a state party to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003 and ratified it in 2006. Seven Cambodian elements of intangible cultural heritage are inscribed on UNESCO’s heritage lists.
-Khmer Times-
