Human capital development is identified as one of five strategic priorities under the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy Phase I (2024-2028), which calls for a citizenry defined by equity and inclusiveness, guided by the principle that no Cambodian should be left behind. Literacy sits at the foundation of this ambition. Cambodia has recorded measurable gains with the national adult literacy rate steadily increasing over the past decade. Disparities persist nonetheless, between men and women, between rural and urban communities, and between wealthier and poorer households. Narrowing these gaps is part of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport’s priorities as outlined in the Education Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which envisions a system built on “equitable, quality education, through an inclusive, relevant and resilient model” for all Cambodians.
On 7 September 2026, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), together with UNESCO, marked National and International Literacy Day this year with a national event in Ratanakiri Province, under the theme “Literacy Promotes Inclusive Quality Education.” Ratanakiri, one of Cambodia’s most ethnically and linguistically diverse provinces, was a fitting location: the theme calls for literacy that reaches people in the language they speak at home, regardless of gender, ability, or personal circumstance. This year’s celebration also coincides with the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day, marked worldwide under the theme “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”
The event was chaired by His Excellency Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, and attended by approximately 1,600 participants, including national and subnational level government officials, development partners, teachers, students and members of the public. An exhibition of student and community work, and a poem recited by Sev Seak, a Grade 8 student from the Jaray ethic group and national literacy prize laureate of Ratanakiri, opened the event.
In his remarks, His Excellency Dr Hang Chuon Naron set out four priorities for translating this year’s theme into practice: strengthening the quality of literacy provision, promoting inclusive literacy for disadvantaged and out-of-school groups, developing digital literacy alongside lifelong learning, and deepening partnerships across government, development partners and communities. He also conveyed a message from Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, calling on ministries, local authorities, employers and the media to expand literacy and lifelong learning opportunities for children, out-of-school youth, workers, rural populations, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities, so that no one is left behind.
