On 8 September 2024, the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS) of Cambodia, in partnership with UNESCO, commemorated International Literacy Day in Stung Treng province. The event, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport, and Mr. Sardar Umar Alam, UNESCO Representative, was attended by over 1,800 participants, including development partners, government officials, literacy educators, and learners.
This year’s theme, “Literacy is the Foundation of Knowledge, Skills, and Innovation,” highlights literacy as a crucial enabler of individual empowerment and socio-economic progress. As Cambodia advances towards its Vision 2030 and Vision 2050 goals, literacy remains central to enhancing human capital and driving economic transformation.
In his address, His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron read a message from Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia. The Prime Minister praised Cambodia’s strides in using literacy to bolster socio-economic development and reduce poverty. He noted that the nation’s rapid economic growth has uplifted living standards and facilitated a shift from agriculture to manufacturing and services. Literacy has been instrumental in helping individuals navigate and contribute to this economic transition.
Over the past decade, the MoEYS has made significant progress in improving national literacy. Initiatives such as targeted enrollment campaigns and enhanced teaching methods have increased school attendance and strengthened literacy skills. Adult literacy rates improved from 77.6% in 2008 to 85% in 2021. The upcoming Education Sector Plan (ESP 2024-2028) places a strong emphasis on literacy, aiming to achieve inclusive, equitable, and quality education. The plan includes expanding early-grade reading programs, improving teacher training, and launching community-based literacy campaigns. Additionally, it promotes lifelong learning through increased access to non-formal education for out-of-school youth and adults.
The international theme for Literacy Day, “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,” celebrates literacy’s role in fostering mutual respect, social cohesion, and peace. By linking literacy with language and lifelong learning, this theme underscores how literacy can strengthen communal identities and build peaceful relationships.
Mr. Sardar Umar Alam of UNESCO emphasized the importance of literacy, particularly digital literacy, for Cambodia’s economic and social development. He highlighted UNESCO’s ongoing support for literacy initiatives, such as the Factory Literacy Programme, which has benefitted over 3,500 factory workers—96% of whom are women—and the Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP), which provides over 4,000 out-of-school youth with alternative pathways to complete their secondary education and acquire additional skills.
As Cambodia continues its journey toward middle-income status, literacy remains a vital component in shaping a knowledgeable, skilled, and innovative workforce essential for sustainable development.
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