As one of the network field offices and institutes, UNESCO Phnom Penh Office belongs to the Asia Pacific region and forms part of the Mekong Cluster at the subregional level. The Office collaborates with and receives technical assistance from the Organization's field network, in particular from multi-disciplinary Regional Bureaux, namely the Regional Bureau for Science in Jakarta; the Regional Bureau for Education and the Regional Advisors for Culture and for Social Sciences based in Bangkok, as well as the Regional Bureau for Communication and Information in Bangkok.
Regular communication is also maintained with the Bureau of Field Co-ordination (BFC) at Headquarters concerning all management and administrative matters.
The United Nations Country Team (UNCT): UNESCO Phnom Penh programme activities are designed under the framework of the UNDAF 2006-2010 (UN Development Assistance Framework) prepared by the UN Country Team in response to the Royal Government of Cambodia's National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP). The UNDAF strengthens and coordinates the activities of UN agencies in support of the NSDP, monitors and coordinates UN engagement in sector wide approaches, with particular emphasis on the creation of sustainable national and sectorial monitoring capacities.
UNESCO's Partners: UNESCO works closely with the national authorities, the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO, other UN agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations and all development partners for the achievement of the Cambodian Millennium Development Goals.
A bit of History
Cambodia joined UNESCO on 3 July 1951. Upon membership, the Government proceeded to establish a National Commission. On 5 August 1955, the first Cambodian Delegate to UNESCO, His Royal Highness Prince Norodom Norindeth, presented his credentials to the Organization. Due to the internal political situation, the Cambodian National Commission had to close down in 1975 and all UNESCO operations within the country were suspended. The reopening of the UNESCO Office Phnom Penh in 1991 contributed to the strengthening of cooperation between Cambodia and UNESCO.