Cambodia reaffirms heritage commitment at UNESCO assembly in Paris

PARIS, June 18, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has reiterated its pledge to safeguard and promote cultural heritage at the 11th General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held this week at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

The delegation was led by Professor Phoeung Sakona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and Chair of the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO.

On the sidelines, she met UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany for talks on strengthening cooperation between Cambodia and the UN agency.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Phnom Penh reaffirmed its commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting both tangible and intangible heritage.

El-Enany underlined UNESCO’s role in using culture as a “bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding,” particularly amid global conflicts and tensions.

Discussions also touched on the implementation of obligations under the 2003 Convention, which sets international standards for safeguarding living traditions and cultural expressions.

Both sides exchanged views on commemorating the 75th anniversary of Cambodia’s membership of UNESCO and a possible visit by the Director-General to Cambodia during the Francophonie Summit in November.

The ministry said such a visit would highlight more than seven decades of cooperation between Cambodia and UNESCO.