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UNESCO joins Cambodia’s 2024 Science, Technology and Innovation Day
UNESCO actively participated in Cambodia's 2024 Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Day, emphasizing the crucial role of STI in driving socio-economic progress. Under the theme of "Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Go STI," the 2nd National Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Day was organized by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center from March 24-26, 2024. The event was presided over by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, accompanied by H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, and attended by over 31,000 attendees.
The event underscored STI's potential to address global challenges such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. Cambodia's commitment to STI is evident through initiatives like the national STI Roadmap 2030 and increased investments outlined in the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1.
UNESCO's contributions in promoting STI in Cambodia span various sectors. UNESCO joins the MISTI on STI day and engages visitors to learn about UNESCO’s contributions in promoting science, technology and innovation in Cambodia through its sectors – Education, Natural Sciences, as well as Communication and Information.
In education sector, UNESCO supports initiatives like the Strengthening Teacher Education Programmes in Cambodia (STEPCam) to enhance teaching quality through digital transformation and professional development opportunities. Additionally, UNESCO leverages digital platforms to provide alternative learning pathways for out-of-school and marginalized youth through initiatives like Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP).
In the natural sciences sector, UNESCO focuses on policy harmonization and capacity building in environmental conservation, natural resource management, and STI. Initiatives such as the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve Project and small-scale beekeeping pilots aim to preserve natural resources and improve local livelihoods. Additionally, UNESCO launched the country profile report on STI in April 2023 in partnership with MISTI.
In communication and information sector, UNESCO collaborates with media stakeholders to foster a safe and independent media environment. Efforts include strengthening digital-related legislation and developing Southeast Asia's first National Competency Framework on Digital, Media, and Information Literacy to address misinformation and hate speech.
Looking ahead, UNESCO will continue its efforts to enhance Cambodia's digital governance capacity, promote ethical AI development, and organize Cambodia's first Internet Governance Forum. Additionally, UNESCO's partnership with MISTI in Cambodia's STI development is acknowledged with a partnership award.
Overall, UNESCO's multifaceted involvement in advancing STI and fostering sustainable development in Cambodia was evident throughout the event and highly appreciated especially by youth who showed lot of interest in the work of UNESCO and engaged in an interactive discussion with the staff of the UNESCO Cambodia team who briefed them on the different ongoing projects of UNESCO being implemented in Cambodia.
