Representatives from countries and preservation organisations across the globe gathered in Siem Reap yesterday as Prime Minister Hun Sen officiated the kickoff of an intergovernmental conference focused on Angkor Wat.

With an official theme of comprehensive and sustainable management of the site, those in attendance met to reflect on 20 years of conservation and development of the temple complex, which received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1992.

“This is the platform for all of us to show our unwavering commitment [to preservation] that we have pioneered and travelled together for the past 20 years,” Deputy Prime Minister Sok An said at a press conference yesterday.

The event marks the third once-per-decade conference of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor (ICC-Angkor), since forming in 1993.

Since 2003, nations and NGOs involved with ICC-Angkor have provided nearly $250 million for projects aimed at protecting and improving Angkor, An noted. “Cambodia has enjoyed much success through international cooperation on the heritage site’s preservation and development,” An said.